bulldog puppy trying to howl

We enjoy a long-lasting relationship with our puppy parents and will be by your side every step of the way. Learn More! Responsible Partner Breeders We care deeply about where our puppies come from. We make an extra effort to partner with breeders, whose practices emphasize quality, care and responsibility. We value the trusting relationship we have with our partner breeders who share our dedication and commitment to providing clients with healthy, socialized puppies. That is why we are guided by our presiding veterinarian and abide by the AKC good breeding standards. When we visit their homes, it warms our hearts to see their devotion to the exercise, socialization, and exceptional veterinary care of their dogs. The Club Commitment It is our promise to put your puppies welfare as our top priority. That is why we have 24 hour on-site team members to care for your puppy everyday. We are committed to ensuring your new puppy is healthy and ready to join your family. Up to 10 Year Health Guarantee Welcoming a new family member into your home is an exciting journey and we want to provide confidence when you take one of our fur-babies home! Share A Story! French Bulldog Rescues In North Carolina A small commission may be earned on any purchases made via links on this page. Read our full affiliate disclosure. They are loyal and fun to have around the home. They are not as exerting as other dog breeds and they are happy with a daily walk. If you are looking for French Bulldog rescues in North Carolina, we have found a few rescue groups to check out. Most of these dog rescues are either breed specific or have had French Bulldogs in the past. Adopting a French Bulldog from a rescue in North Carolina offers you many advantages. The obvious reason is that it allows you to provide one of these dogs with a forever home. The Bulldog is in the rescue, most likely because the previous owner could not take care of them any longer. There are other benefits to adopting such as, you are no longer supporting a puppy mill or breeders who are simply breeding dogs for money. If you have decided to adopt a French Bulldog in North Carolina and you are on this page, thank you! You really are making a difference by adopting and we hope that our list makes it easier for you to find what you are looking for. Please be aware that not all of these rescues are French Bulldog specific. Some rescues will save dogs no matter their breed and many will have a French Bulldog come through their rescue at some point in time. If you cannot find the dog you are looking for, please contact the rescue to see if they have a waiting list or notification list that you can be put on. With more than two decades under their belt, this non-profit has made its mission to ensure that they find neglected animals and provide them with the love and care they need. This non-profit organization has spent many years rescuing animals from high-kill shelters and preparing them for placements in new homes. CARA depends solely on volunteers to function. These volunteers do their best to find, rehabilitate and rehome the dogs they rescue. They are always searching for new forever homes for the cats and dogs in their care. They are not strictly a French Bulldog rescue, but your new french bulldog friend might be at this rescue waiting for you. Their adoption process tries to be as straightforward as possible. The first thing to do is to go through their available dogs to see if they have a French Bulldog available. If you find one, and you think you can handle the responsibilities that their bio implies, you can apply for that dog. Their application is very thorough and long, so make sure you fill it out completely. You can find their adoption application here.

We are prepared to give these pups the BEST start in life. We are experienced, family-centered, ethical breeders. Our program is based in New England — but our gorgeous puppies have been placed with families from coast to coast. We are longtime breeders of purebred dogs with over 40 years experience. We are passionate about our dogs and puppies. Our elite breeding program strives to preserve, promote, and protect the natural strength and beauty of both the Bernese Mountain Dog and the Poodle by carefully crossing select bloodlines to produce Bernedoodles that embody the very best traits of both foundation breeds. Our Bernedoodle dogs and puppies are home-raised, never kenneled, and puppies spend the first eight weeks of their lives living intimately with our family and learning how to be good family members. All our dogs receive the highest nutritional support and are fed a premium organic raw diet. We genetically test every single breeding male and female Bernese Mountain Dogs, Poodles, and Bernedoodles prior to breeding to screen for any hereditary health problems. This means we screen for both Poodle and Bernese Mountain Dog hereditary diseases. Every single puppy receives a full veterinary wellness exam, age-appropriate vaccinations, internal parasite control, and all recommended screenings before going to a new home. We are constantly monitoring the veterinary literature, both in the US and abroad, for continuing advances in canine genetics, health, wellness, nutrition, and disease prevention. Our breeding program is exceptional in its commitment to veterinary advances, and is constantly improving. Beautiful Fun-Loving Friends and Companions. Bernedoodles are an amazing cross between the giant Bernese Mountain Dog, and the multi-talented Poodle. Bernedoodles are very people-oriented, are great with children, and like nothing better than to be where their people are and to be involved with everything that that's going on around them. They are loyal, highly affectionate dogs, and have an intuitive intelligence that makes them superb companions and very easy to train. They will play all day if that's what you want to do, but just as happily snuggle with you on the couch or lay quietly at your feet while you are working. They are truly stellar companions, at ease with people of all ages. Photo Gallery Five week old red and white micro puppy My Blog. When you combine the two you have a highly intelligent, gentle, somewhat goofy, loyal companion. They come in a variety of sizes ranging from the large standards that can weigh anywhere from pounds, to the smallest micros which are only pounds and any Show More An F1 Bernedoodle is a cross between a Bernese Mountain Dog and a Poodle. They come in a variety of sizes ranging from the large standards that can weigh anywhere from pounds, to the smallest micros which are only pounds and anything in between. They also come in a variety of colors. The most popular and desirable is the Tri-colored. A beautiful combination of black, brown and white. They can also be parti, bi colored, solid, sable, and several other combinations. They will require regular grooming so be prepared for that. If you are looking for hypoallergenic you should look for an F1b, which is a Bernedoodle bred back to a poodle. They are less likely to shed. Although, keep in mind there is no such thing as a true hypoallergenic dog. At Sterling Ridge we currently breed standards and mini sized Bernedoodles. We do not breed F1's. The following Bernedoodle breeders in Connecticut follow ethical standards and have been certified within their communities. Sterling Ridge Bernedoodles Sterling Ridge Bernedoodles are located in the area that gives a title to their breeding program. They have been in the market for over 12 years. This Bernedoodle breeder in Connecticut is located at a acre sprawling farm. Therefore, you can be sure that each dog has enough space to be physically active and healthy. Sterling Ridge Bernedoodles treats each dog as if they were part of their family. Furthermore, all of their dogs are thoroughly evaluated and tested before they go into the breeding program. This way, the puppies can get the best of their parents — although that does not guarantee that the puppy will be as you expect! You should know that Sterling Ridge Bernedoodles has a thorough selection process for owners. Contact information: Phone number: Email: Not specified. You can send a message through their website to get in touch with them via email. Similarly, this breeder has been running the program for over thirteen years. Sterling Brook Doodles likes to get to know all the people interested in adopting a puppy. Therefore, be ready to answer all the questions they ask you. They like to make sure that each puppy will go to a loving home, so they will try to make their best to match your family with the perfect puppy based on your lifestyle. This breeder has very specific and serious information about the whole adoption process — therefore, we recommend you to go through the whole website before making a decision. The starting price goes for bi-color pups, while tri-color puppies are the most expensive. Sterling Brook Doodles offers one year warranty against any genetic disease the pup may present. However, it is only valid if you take the puppy to a certified veterinary and inform the seller within three business days. You can either send them a message via their website to receive updates via email or subscribe to their newsletter. Bad breeders are everywhere, which is why spotting good breeders is not as complicated Investigate everything you can about the breeder. Ethical breeders will often be transparent, allowing you to know every step of their breeding program and the facilities where they raise their dogs. Some of them include testimonials on their website. The best way to discard the possibility of dealing with a puppy mill is to make enough research. Some breeders will allow you to visit the facilities and get to know their dogs, and sometimes, your future pet. Therefore, if possible, try visiting the breeder and get to know them as much as you can. Some of them will charge you for a visit. Make sure they offer a health warranty. Most Bernedoodle breeders in Connecticut will offer a health warranty to their customers against congenital diseases. Typically, it will be around one or two years, although some of them offer up to three years. Conclusion As of now, there are only two Bernedoodle breeders in Connecticut we can really recommend, and both of them have been around for a similar time. Despite that, these puppies offer puppies of all colors and sizes. Therefore, you can be sure that you will be able to find the puppy of your dreams. These links are affiliate links, so if you do end up using the links, I will earn a commission. Dog Food: Every dog needs to eat correctly, and finding the best food for your dog can be challenging, as the market is absolutely flooded with products. These days I have two adorable fuzzy rascals around me, that ensures I get plenty of exercise and laughter throughout my day! Legal Information The owner of this site, LabradoodleHome. This site also participates in other affiliate programs and is compensated for referring traffic and business to these companies. Labradoodle Home does not intend to provide veterinary advice. All articles and posts are aimed at giving users a better understanding of their dogs. The content on this blog is not a substitute for veterinary guidance. Amazon OneLink. So, given below we give you some of the important tips you should take before choosing any breeder. After the rise of the doodle dog, there are lots of puppy mills and fake breeders come to market that are selling unhealthy dogs with genetic diseases. Visit Breeder Place:If possible, visit the place where the puppies are born and raised. Do good research on breeders, Especially, for this reason, most breeders take a deposit before going to their place. Health and Genetic test: The best way to get a good Bernedoodle puppy in Connecticut is if the breeder gives you welfare and genetic tests from the parent dogs. These things help you to ensure that your dog is safe and free of any genetic diseases. If you know any great Bernedoodle breeder who lives in Connecticut, please let us know in the comments below. So we can add it to our list. What is the Breeder Name? Where are they located in Connecticut? It really helps others who are looking for a Bernedoodle Puppy Breeder in Connecticut. Conclusion for Bernedoodle Breeders in Connecticut If you plan to get your puppy from one of these breeders which we listed above or any other breeders, keep these things in mind, You should not make a deal without proper documentation. Avoid breeders who are hesitant to provide documentation or ask for an extra fee to provide the papers. Other Bernedoodle Breeders. You've come to the right place. Here, at Premier Pups, our Mini Bernedoodles are happy, healthy, and ready to embark on a life-long journey with their new families. These puppies are raised with love and cared for by the best in the business. We align ourselves only with the best breeders that meet our high standards. All our Mini Bernedoodles come with a year health guarantee that backs up our Premier Promise. Nationwide delivery is available for all out-of-state customers looking to adopt a Mini Bernedoodle. The beautiful Mini Bernedoodles are a blend of fluffy looks and darling personalities. They can be small or medium depending on their generation, but regardless of their size, they are simply adorable. Mini Bernedoodles are designed to be loyal and loving companions for equally loving owners. They thrive in a setting where attention and fun are plentiful. We partner with the best dog breeders in the nation to offer you healthy, happy Mini Bernedoodle puppies. Find your dream Bernese Mountain Dog and Poodle mix puppy today! A few of our Mini Bernedoodle Pups. View Our Available Bernedoodle Puppies! Standard Bernedoodles are bigger than Mini Bernedoodles reaching weights of pounds. They average inches in height at the shoulders when fully grown. Our Standard Bernedoodle puppies are all 1st generation-F1 variety puppies. They have purebred Bernese Mountain dogs for moms and the dads are Standard poodles. Their Standard Bernedoodles life expectancy is years old. Blue Diamond Bernedoodles have a loving, easy-going, and calm temperament. Bernedoodles are very loyal and social and love to spend time with their parents. Standard Bernedoodles need regular grooming because of their curly and thick coats. Shedding is very minimal after their first haircut and grooming. This breed is known to be a hypoallergenic choice. Here at Blue Diamond Family Kennels, we specialize in breeding Standard Bernedoodles along with a few other great breeds. We have teamed up with a few other reputable Bernedoodle breeders that breed and raise Bernedoodle pups that meet our very strict criteria and genetic testing. On our Standard Bernedoodle puppies page you will see all of our available puppies for sale. Have your kids and family been pestering you to get a puppy? Or have you been looking at different breeds of puppies and are still uncertain about which breed to choose? Choosing a dog breed can be daunting, especially if you are a first-time dog parent. They are the most loyal and affectionate dogs that love spending time with their humans. Since Bernedoodles love being the center of attention, be ready for a puppy that craves your attention and loves spending time with you. Each Bernedoodle is unique and different. If a Bernedoodle sounds like the ideal dog, the next step is to choose the ideal breeder. To help you out, we have created a list of the 4 best breeders that are offering Bernedoodle puppies for sale in Connecticut. Sterling Ridge Bernedoodles This breeder has been in business for over 12 years. So those in Sterling Ridge looking for Bernedoodle puppies in Connecticut can head straight to this breeder to find the best match and the puppy they are looking for. They are at a acre sprawling farm, so you can rest assured that each puppy gets enough space to walk, run, and play with other puppies. Puppies at the Sterling Bridge are more like a part of the family and get the best treatment possible. Before getting their dogs into the mating program, they ensure that each dog has undergone an evaluation and proper testing. Doing so ensures that puppies have the best and most healthy parents. One of the key factors of this breeder is that they specialize in F1b Bernedoodles, making them excellent for people with allergies. The breeders ensure that each puppy is in good health before release. Then, the puppies are dewormed and get their early vaccines. You can check this breeder out to know more about the Bernedoodle puppies and get your fur-ever friend. Finally, Sterling Ridge also provides shipping services. If you are unable to come and pick up the puppy from the breeder, they offer to ship it safely to your doorstep. You can choose to have the puppy shipped via air, travel to your doorstep with a pet nanny, or fly to you personally. You can discuss the options and cost of each with the breeders. Bernedoodle Breeder Information:.

We place poodles in jobs that include hunting, herding, service dogs, medical alert dogs, diabetic alert dogs, emotional support dogs, PTSD service dogs, autism service dogs, obedience, show conformation, lure coursing, agility, and what poodles also excel in, which is great family dogs. We have painstakingly searched the world for very diverse bloodlines that we are working to preserve precious, healthy Standard Poodle bloodlines. We raise our poodles holistically with natural tails and dewclaws, minimal vaccination protocols according to Dr. Jean Dodd and Dr. Ronald Schultz. Poodle health is our priority with disposition and beauty adhering to the breeding standards. Before that studied, Poodle Dynasty was also in genetic studies in England. According to their researchers, Poodle Dynasty has some of the most diverse standard poodles of any of the poodles they studied. UC Davis has found a direct correlation with genetic diversity and poodle health. Our puppies are hand raised with early neural stimulation, handled daily, weaned by hand on goat milk, fed high quality, grainfree food. Puppies are started early on potty training and coming on command so they have good recall. Go to our website and fill out a puppy application to get on our list. To Read The Complete Article Click Here by Susan Winslow The Poodle has always been known for its keen intelligence and people-friendly nature, but until relatively recently, the breed has not generally been associated with hunting. But then you meet Cooper, and all that changes pretty quickly. Standard Poodles have generally been viewed by the public in recent history as the supermodels of the dog world; big pompadour hair, high maintenance, and a haughty, regal air. Standard Poodles romping through swamps? Retrieving waterfowl? Not so much. So when Rich Louter took on a Standard Poodle to train as a hunting dog, more than a few eyebrows were raised in their hometown of Moreland, Georgia. But Rich Louter has been training dogs of every breed for over twenty years, and he knows a good dog when he sees one. When I met Angie, I knew I wanted to marry her, but her daughter, Lexie, has very bad allergies to dogs. So the energetic pup went to boot camp with Rich and surprised everyone when he found his true calling as a hunting dog. You can imagine there was some skepticism when we showed up at those first few Hunt Tests with a Standard Poodle, but Cooper was amazing right from the start. He is so intelligent, people-oriented and willing to please, you could tell right away that he loved having a job. Poodles have really good brains and a strong work ethic, so he took to this very quickly. I also like the show, so we were honored to be asked. So although Poodles are not necessarily thought of as hunting dogs today, it really is in their background. I was a little nervous because Cooper has only hunted with me in the field, but he was just incredible and the guys loved him. Everyone on the set was as nice as they seem on the show, and it was a great experience for all of us. I was really proud of all the dogs and it was great to see Cooper open the eyes of these experienced hunters to the value of a Standard Poodle as a hunting dog. His daughter, Grace, shown by handler Miyuki Ueno, is making her mark in the show ring. These were big wins, and we are really excited about her future. I got my pick pup and that is Grace. As soon as she finishes her Championship title she will return home to the field for some more retriever training and hopefully will do her daddy even more proud. He and Angie are responsible about breeding their dogs, planning for each litter only when there is enough interest to do so. We are in this because we truly care about them, and it is very important to us that each puppy goes to the right home. We breed for puppies with exceptional, people-friendly temperaments, and we require each interested family to send us a letter of introduction so we can be sure it will be a good fit. Some pups are naturally inclined to be working dogs, while others are more likely to make good family pets. Filed under Current Articles , Featured. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2. Both comments and pings are currently closed.

How to buy a French Bulldog puppy on a low budget French Bulldog puppies are one of the most expensive dog breeds to bring home. So how can you get your first French Bulldog puppy on a low budget? There is no such thing as a cheap Frenchie or a low budget French Bulldog due to their breeding per birth price tag. Nonetheless, there are several creative ways you can get a Frenchie puppy with little to no money down and we took the time to explore options and share this valuable info with you. A very fine show quality French Bulldog can cost that much. The high price tag reflects the expense per Frenchie puppy birth of artificial insemination, c-sections, constant care when they are born and multiple health and genetic exams. Why are French Bulldogs more expensive than any other dog breed? Most Frenchies can't have live babies the normal way. Many breeders would agree good breeding practices can greatly reduce the risks of genetic disorders that can lead to hearing loss, hip problems, and respiratory illness. Buying a well bred French Bulldog is never cheap and can help avoid a lifetime of vet bills and care. Creative ways you can get a Frenchie puppy or dog with little to no money down: Easypay Finance: Need help buying your Frenchie puppy? Easypay Finance can help. Good credit to no credit applicants accepted. Just as the name suggests Easypay is a streamline straight forward application that allows you to be approved instantly online without pay stubs or bank statements. If your loan is paid back within 90 days you can get a full interest rebate back. Requirements: Have a cell phone and email address. Have a checking account for at least 3 months. Puppy Spot Financing Puppy Spot Financing offers a convenient payment plan through Community Finance to help families buy their dream puppy. Breeders invest time, effort and resources into breeding and often this results in a hefty price for the Frenchie puppy. With a financing option, you don't have to compromise on a quality French Bulldog puppy. All you have to do is fill a form and a Puppy Concierge will contact you within one hour of receiving pre approval to help you reserve your dream Frenchie puppy. Requirements: Employed for the last 12 months at the same job. Pet Loans dot com can help finance your pet purchase price or veterinary care and even your pet supplies. Pet Loans dot com specializes in exotic pet purchases. French Bulldog Breeder financing: Certain Breeders accept financing through programs that are set up to protect them and help the buyer with a flexible payment plan. Ask your chosen breeder if they are able to accept breeder financing through one of the above programs. My Pet Funding allows breeders and pet stores offer the potential buyer the flexibility to spread their purchase cost over time. Rescue a French Bulldog. Call Vic Kasser or Email! We know the economy has been tough so we have teamed up with Terrace Finance and Springleaf Financial to offer you a fast, simple and budget friendly way to take home a new addition to your family. This isn't just any financing either but is financing tailored to your needs. Once approved for financing you can pay off your pet with the same as cash option if your budget allows, or you can continue to make payments until your purchase is paid off. You can also finance part of your purchase and pay the difference with cash or credit card. We advise that you do not place a deposit on a puppy until your application is completely verified and approved, ALL deposits are non-refundable and non-transferable unless we cannot or will not place the puppy with you that you have placed the deposit on. You can click the links below and complete your application on line from the convenience of your own home and get pre approved before you even stop in to see which new addition to your family you want to bring home! So simple and very budget friendly, because sometimes making a monthly payment is much more affordable. Terrace Finance offers people the ability to take home the Puppies they really want and pay for them with comfortable installment payments through their signature consumer loan. If you are approved, you can take home your Puppy with their consumer loan, which offers comfortable payments. At the end of the Installment Lease, you own the Puppy free and clear. Umpqua Valley Kennels LLC is not responsible for declined applications or for applications that do not meet the financing qualifications of Terrace Finance. Please contact Terrace Finance directly with any questions regarding financing. More Ways you can get French bulldog financing in California Buying a purebred dog can be expensive and we understand that not everybody has that kind of cash lying around waiting to be spent on a pet. However, sometimes buying a dog is an investment. Because of the high cost of dogs that are ideal for breeding, you might need to secure some level of financing before you buy. Read below for some recommendations of places you can look for financial assistance. There is no specified term on the loan so you can work with them to find a payment plan that fits your budget. Additionally, special financing options allow you to get your loan interest-free on the principal during a promotional period that can last up to six months. Be aware of interest rates as their rates can be as high as .You can get a fixed interest rate with monthly payments that are competitive within the market. Although, you might have to make a down payment to qualify for financing. They state specifically that they offer to finance the purchase of pets, supplies, and veterinary procedures. At PetLoans. There are also special financing offers that include deferred interest. Your bank or credit union will often offer personal loans that can be used at your discretion. We work with people all the time who ask about financing options. Contact us by calling or send a message using our online contact form. We look forward to helping you get the perfect French bulldog for you and your home.

Perhaps you have heard great things about this breed! Average sizes and life expectancy of the breed. They are serious workers at hunting and field work, as guides for the blind, and in search-and-rescue, enjoy obedience and other competitive events, and have an endearing love of life when not at work. The Golden Retriever is a sturdy, muscular dog of medium size, famous for the dense, lustrous coat of gold that gives the breed its name. The broad head, with its friendly and intelligent eyes, short ears, and straight muzzle, is a breed hallmark. In motion, Goldens move with a smooth, powerful gait, and the feathery tail is carried, as breed fanciers say, with a 'merry action. These records were released to public notice in Country Life in , when Lord Tweedmouth's great-nephew, the sixth Earl of Ilchester, historian and sportsman, published material that had been left by his ancestor. They provided factual confirmation to the stories that had been handed down through generations. Goldens are outgoing, trustworthy, and eager-to-please family dogs, and relatively easy to train. They take a joyous and playful approach to life and maintain this puppyish behavior into adulthood. These energetic, powerful gundogs enjoy outdoor play. For a breed built to retrieve waterfowl for hours on end, swimming and fetching are natural pastimes. Most of the time, a good brushing-out with a slicker brush once or twice a week will remove much of the dead hair before it has a chance to fall onto the furniture. During times of heavy shedding, these brushing sessions turn into daily affairs. Baths help to loosen the dead hairs, but the dog must be completely dry before brushing begins. Otherwise, Goldens only need occasional baths to keep them clean. As with all breeds, the Golden's nails should be trimmed regularly. They are loving and loyal, friendly, and great with children. They have the perfect balance of energy when you want to play and laid back when you want a loving family companion. Candy Rock Golden Retrievers is excited to provide adorable Golden Retriever puppies that will brighten your day and give you a wonderful sense of pride. Our puppies are worked with using ENS training or Early Neurological Stimulation and have received their veterinary health certifications along with up to date worming and vaccinations. We make sure your new puppy is happy, healthy, and ready to go home. We also strive to connect with our golden family through FB and Instagram. Visit our contact page to speak with us right away. Look no further. Butch languished for months on a cable tether. He was not fed well and he was taunted.He was frustated and anxious. Afraid and alone. Within moments of meeting him, we saw something different. We spent time sitting on the stoop, tossing him bits of our lunch. Eventually he settled enough to start catching the bits we tossed him. We then asked him to sit. He is a good dog that has been treated badly. We have had him for a couple weeks now and he is a new man. He is a big sweet, intelligent goof ball. He has started playing and loves to go for truck rides. He uses his nose to move your hand if he needs something. He is just amazing. He is not recommended around small children, small animals or other dogs. He is intitailly distrusting of strangers but warms up to kindness quickly. He will likelt be a pound dog when he is fully filled out! We have videos on our facebook that share the progression of his rescue. If you cannot find our adoption application, please text our director for a link: Aspen Small right facing arrow Search for a Golden Retriever puppy or dog Use the search tool below to browse adoptable Golden Retriever puppies and adults Golden Retriever in Inverness, Florida.

Jug Dog Video History Although proper historical details regarding the origination of this breed is not available, the first crossing of its parents is said to take place in the s in the United States of America. Temperament The fearless, energetic and intelligent nature of the Jack Russell Terrier combined with the loving, sociable nature of the pug has made the jug dog a gentle, adorable and active breed. Being very alert, they are keen to know and be involved in all that is going around them. Some of them have inherited an obsession for digging and hunting instinct from the Jack Russell Terrier, making them bark aggressively at chipmunks or squirrels. They are loyal to their owner but may become stubborn at times. When left alone for long, these apartment dogs get destructive. Though friendly and tolerant towards other animals and family children when socialized, certain pug-like qualities endowed in them make them sensitive and jealous of the other pets and kids present in the household. Care Exercise This small, energetic breed needs at least 30 minutes of regular exercise in order to be physically and mentally fit. Provision of a large backyard or open space helps them to play and jog around freely. They even enjoy going out for family outings. Grooming The short coat of the jug dog makes it very easy to maintain. However, Jugs with longer hair and a rough coat need to be regularly brushed and maintained well. Occasional bathing and regular cleaning of their teeth and mouth ensure proper hygiene. Health Problems Certain congenital diseases inherited from both their parents are observed in them. Jug dogs that have a small muzzle like the pug develop certain respiratory disorders. Apart from this, they may also suffer from skin problems, allergies, inflamed cornea, weepy eyes, dislocation of the kneecaps, cherry eyes and so on. Therefore, the trainer is required to handle the dog in a firm and patient manner as harshness or punishment may make it shy away or react in an aggressive manner. However being quick learners, they will respond well when given rewards. Socialization and obedience training are also to be imparted since their puppy days so that they may get along well with strangers and other animals. Proper leash training is also to be given to keep their hunting instincts under control. Feeding Their diet should comprise of vitamin, protein, carbohydrates, fats and minerals. An adult dog should be given half cup of good quality dog food divided into two equal meals. The Jug dog puppies are to be fed with one-third cup of dog food three times a day when they are below six months of age. Whereas from six months to a year their feeding proportion is three-fourth cup of dog food divided into three meals. Whole proteins like lamb, turkey, eggs, chicken and beef as well as digestible carbohydrates like barley, oats and rice should also be included in their diet. Interesting facts These sturdy, healthy dogs may live up to 20 years when maintained well. They have special interest in games like tug-of-war, or fetching or hiding. It is one of the recent breeds to be registered by the American Canine Hybrid Club. If you decide to buy a puppy from a breeder, you need to find a reputable and responsible breeder to avoid dealing with a puppy mill. The Jug can be quite energetic because of its Jack Russell heritage but will also be calm thanks to the Pug. They can be easily trained because they are intelligent but might be prone to small dog stubbornness. They are overall healthy dogs with long lifespans and are very friendly and social dogs. The Jug is best for apartments or houses, depending on their nature. The Jug can be the best of both parents. The Jug has been around since the s. They are thought to have been crossbred in the s in America and are currently one of the more popular hybrid dogs. These are feisty, loving dogs that do not do well when left alone for long, and as long as the Jugs have been well socialized, they love playing with other dogs and children. They are also very courageous dogs that will stand their ground no matter the threat. Are These Dogs Good for Families? If there are younger children in the household, they should be supervised and need to be taught how to approach and play with a dog appropriately and gently. The Jug will bond well with everyone in the family and enjoys spending time and playing with everyone. They do have a strong prey drive and might attempt to chase smaller animals, but happy and positive relationships will form if they are raised with them. An average of just under 1 cup per day spread out to twice per day should be sufficient. Allowing the Jug time to run, and playtime with a ball are additional exercises that will benefit your dog immensely. Only use positive reinforcement with the Jug or aggressive and destructive behaviors might emerge. However, if your Jug has more of a rough coat taken after their rough-coated Jack Russell parent, they will need to be brushed more often. JackPug Description The Jug is not a purebred dog. It is a cross between the Jack Russell Terrier and the Pug. The best way to determine the temperament of a mixed breed is to look up all breeds in the cross and know you can get any combination of any of thecharacteristics found in either breed. It is very common for breeders to breed multi-generation crosses. She takes after the JRT and is very high energy and very intelligent. Jugs should have access to a fenced yard as they love to run and dig. They will chase squirrels , rabbits, etc. He has lots of curiosity and play drive, but is equally interested in lap time with Mommy. He also enjoys time with our other mixed breed dog Terra whose mother was a purebred Golden Retriever and we believe a black Lab father. In Ollie's case, he requires a lamb and rice dog food, and I must ensure no one gives him anything with pork in it. I love watching Cesar Millan's the Dog Whisperer and have taken lots of tips from the show in regards to being the pack leader. I was a dog trainer with the local county 4-H program and have been around all types of breeds for many years; Cesar's principals are phenomenal. Ollie can have an attitude when he does not get what he wants when he wants it, so I really do have to use the firm assertive-dominant role with him. He has a super high drive to watch for squirrels and chipmunks and will bark very aggressively toward them. I sometimes let him outside on the enclosed deck to chase them away, HA HA. He thinks it's great. I also developed a toy that he really has a drive to play with; it is a hard plastic ball, large enough not to get stuck in his jaws which can really be strong and it has two metal ball bearings inside it. I let him chase it all over the 1st floor of our home. I just close off sections with lots of places for it to get stuck. I also have the main play area pretty well ball proofed. If it gets stuck somewhere he will usually come and get me but you have to keep an eye or an ear out for him since he takes out his frustration on anything nearby. This includes extension cords, patio door blinds or the ottoman. Having consistency on the rules of good behavior during playtime keeps the house from being taken over by this little character. So overall, this breed is a joy to have around. He is my constant companion, loves attention from anyone and of course thinks he's the best. I really fell in love with his looks on first sight but his personality has truly taken my heart. She can do that and she can stand and spin in a circle. She loves kids and other animals; she has never hurt a fly. She loves everyone. Her name is Zoey. She was the only white Jug out of the litter. We love her very much. Bugs is four months old. His mom is a Jack Russell Terrier and his dad is a Pug. My husband bought Bugs for me as a Christmas present. Bugs is wonderful and smart, however he demands a lot of attention and exercise. When we are not working we walk Bugs a couple of miles a day. When working, we take him with us and walk him every time we are on a break. He wasn't too difficult to housebreak.I took him to the vet yesterday for his final puppy series and first rabies.He may be a small dog, but he has a big dog attitude. He fears nothing. Bugs is so very sweet. He is very affectionate, but enjoys roughhousing as well. He sometimes bites when playing and we are working on that. He does not like to be told "No. When you tell him No, he looks at you quizzically and then barks at you to express his annoyance. I love him and he is awesome. He loves going through drive-throughs at restaurants where people will tell him how adorable he is. Although, he is very hyper Jack Russell. I got Nugly when he was 3 months old from a pet store. It only took me 2 weeks to have him housebroken and 3 weeks to have him sitting, lying down on command and giving me paw. He is very intelligent. She can be quite greedy and has the tenacity of a Jack Russell Terrier. She loves to play and has been complimented on how placid she is around people. She has been a great delight to have in our home. Tootie is extremely intelligent and energetic. It was love at first sight with her and my son 4 years old. Everywhere we take her we are literally stopped by people off the street because she is just sooo CUTE. At times she can be sneaky and tries to get away with things she should not be doing. She fits in well with my kids. We love Tootie very much! If you click this link and make a purchase, we earn a commission at no additional cost to you. Brachycephalic Airway Obstruction Syndrome BAOS Jugs with short noses may have some breathing difficulties due to excessive tissue in their compacted nasal cavity. Pyoderma Pyoderma is a skin condition whereby excess moisture causes bacterial or yeast infection, especially inside the skin folds. Luxating Patella Dislocation of the kneecaps may cause limping or lameness. Epilepsy Seizures are caused by temporary disturbances in the brain. Symptoms include excessive thirst, hair loss , weight gain, and frequent urination. Jug life expectancy You can expect a Jack Russell Pug Mix lifespan to be longer compared with bigger dogs. On average, the Jug dog lifespan is 12 to 15 years. Want more information? Jack Russell Pug breeders One of the main reasons why there is a growing interest in designer dog breeds is because of the concept of hybrid vigor. This concept supposedly creates a new and healthier mixed dog like Jack Russell Pug with the hope of reducing the illnesses and other issues that are associated with purebred parents. Aside from DNA testing, the Jack Russell Pug breeders should also provide buyers with a puppy warranty, usually for 30 days or longer. In case the puppy of your choice gets sick, you should be given an option of whether to exchange the pup or have the breeder pay for all the vet expenses. They thoroughly screen the breeders they advertise on their site, making sure that no illegal practices are being done to the dogs. Try Douglas Hall Kennels douglashallkennels. They provide families with proper guidance and education about Retro Pugs in preparation for their pets. They are a rescue organization that are committed to giving love and attention to Retro Pugs and purebred Pugs until they find a new home. Jug puppies Take your time when choosing a Jug puppy. The Jack Russell Pug Mix puppies should approach you with wagging tails. They should play with you, perhaps tug your shoelace or pants and even crawl into you. Then evaluate the Jack Russell x Pug puppies one by one. To know which among the Pug Jack Russell Mix puppies have an easygoing personality, they would normally request belly rubs from strangers. You can also try rolling the Pug and Jack Russell Mix puppies on their backs. It is also highly recommended that even before bringing your new Jug puppy home, you should puppy proof your house. It is also a good idea to already have his supplies rolled out such as a chew-proof dog bed , a crate, water and food bowls, a retractable dog leash , and a collar. Retro Pug adoption Rescue dogs are no different from other dogs. They deserve a forever home too. Vintage Pug Senior Sanctuary vintagepugs. MuffinPug Rescue muffinpugrescue. The rescue organization proactively treats abused Pugs and nurses them back to good health. Its mission is to end the suffering of Pugs that have been neglected or exploited and to promote healthy living. Before the Pugs are relocated to their new forever home, the MuffinPug Rescue wants to ensure that their pugs are healthy, well-nourished, and well-taken care of. Places to find Jug puppies for sale Everything begins with a responsible breeder and this is why we have listed two breeders below whom you can contact and see if they have available Jack Russell Pug Mix puppies for sale. Greenfield Puppies greenfieldpuppies. If you are from Pennsylvania and looking for Jug puppies for sale near me, try Ridgewood Kennels ridgewoodpuppies. For your convenience, you can download their app from the Google play store or from the Apple app store. The most common reasons are they do not want to get into the hassle of potty training and excessive chewing as a result of teething. It may not be easy looking for an adult Pug cross Jack Russell for sale, but with perseverance, you might come across a breeder who has a Jack Russell and Pug Mix for sale that will retire soon. By this, it means that these dogs are no longer fit to get pregnant but are otherwise still at the peak of their health. Aside from Retro Pugs, they breed other small dog breeds too. Keystone Puppies keystonepuppies. Petzlover petzlover. Buckeye Puppies buckeyepuppies. Here is a table to help you make your final decision. Pros Longer lifespan compared with other mixed dog breeds. Sheds a lot. Tends to bark a lot. Comes in a variety of colors. Can be stubborn. Photo courtesy of kobethejug on Instagram When fully grown Jack Russell Terriers are 10 to 15 inches tall and weigh in at between 13 and 17 pounds. Full grown Pugs are 10 to 13 inches tall and weigh between 14 and 20 pounds. Because both the Jack Russell Terrier and Pug are about the same size, Jugs are about the size you would expect. They stand between 12 and 15 inches tall and weight between 13 and 20 pounds when they are full grown. With an average lifespan of 13 — 17 years, the Jack Russell Pug mix tends to live a relatively long time for dogs. This is right in line with the lifespan of a Jack Russell Terrier and slightly longer than the average life of a Pug. This is where owning a small dog saves money over other dogs as you will spend less money on dog food. As a rule of thumb, you should feed your adult dog 1 cup of food per day for every 15 to 20 pounds of body weight. For most Jugs, this works out to one cup of dog food per day. It is best to spread it out over two separate meals throughout the day. While all Jugs are half Jack Russell Terrier and half Pug, there is a relatively large variation between individual dogs. Some Jugs look more like Jack Russells, while others maintain features more closely resembling a Pug. What Colors are Jug Dogs? Jug dogs can be a variety of colors Jug dogs can be a variety of different colors including tan, caramel, brown, and black. They often have one primary color and sometimes have a secondary color that can be any of those four or white. One thing that makes Pugs so cute it their curly tail. Many Jack Russell Pug mixes will inherit a curly tail, but not all of them. How Many Jug Puppies are in a Litter? The litter size for Jugs is anywhere between 3 and 8 pups. Usually, there are between 5 and 7 littermates. Do Jug Dogs Shed? Both Jack Russells and Pugs are shedders, so as you would expect, Jugs also shed. However, their short coats make them relatively easy to maintain. Daily brushing is recommended to reduce shedding and keep their coats healthy. Are Jug Dogs Hypoallergenic? Due to their moderate shedding throughout the year, Jugs are not hypoallergenic dogs. Jack Russell Terriers are a breed known to bark a lot. Pugs on the other hand are not known as barkers, but that may just be due to the fact that their bark is just not as loud. Jugs seem to take their barking gene more from the Jack Russell. They are alert dogs that tend to bark when they hear noises and make great watch dogs. For the most part, mixed breed dogs tend to be healthier than purebred dogs. Even though Jugs are relatively healthy dogs, all breeds have their own health issues. Some health issues for Jug owners to watch out for are dry eyes , skin allergies , hip dysplasia , and respiratory issues. Jugs were originally bred to elongate the Pug nose to eliminate respiratory issues, but the effort has not been entirely successful. If you have concerns about your Jug dog, be sure to seek professional veterinary advice. Are Jug Dogs High Energy? While Jack Russells are an energetic breed and can be hyper dogs , Jugs also take a cue from their Pug heritage who are more calm dogs. It can be difficult to judge the exact energy level a Jug puppy will have as they get older, so if you are adopting a Jug you should be prepared for the possibility of a highly active dog. Yes, Jug dogs can make excellent apartment dogs. However, it is important to make sure they get their daily exercise as detailed below. Jugs need between 30 and 60 minutes of exercise per day Jugs are not the most athletic dogs, but it is still important for them to exercise. Jugs need between 30 and 60 minutes of exercise per day. Because of respiratory issues, walks are the best form of exercise for Jugs. However, they will also benefit from traditional games like fetch as long as they do not get tired to the point of labored breathing. Can Jug Dogs Swim? They are not very good swimmers, but Jug dogs can swim Yes, Jugs can swim, but they are not very good at it. Jack Russells are not the greatest swimmers , and Pugs are poor swimmers. It is important to exercise caution if you take your Jug swimming. If you choose to take your Jug into the water, it is a good idea to use a doggy life jacket. Are Jug Dogs Prone to Obesity? Like Pugs, Jugs gain weight easily and love treats. As a result, if their calorie intake is not monitored and they do not get enough exercise, they can quickly become overweight and suffer from obesity. Are Jug Dogs Aggressive? Jack Russell Terriers are hunting dogs, so they may be aggressive towards small animals like squirrels and chipmunks. However, outside of the hunting instinct inherited from the Jack Russell, Jugs are not considered aggressive. Yes, Jugs make excellent family pets. Like with all dog breeds, extra caution should be taken by families with young children. Are Jug Dogs Smart? Larger dog breeds are usually at the top of most dog intelligence rankings. However, Jugs are a relatively intelligent dog and have about average intelligence for canines. Are Jug Dogs Stubborn? Both the Jack Russell Terrier and Pug breeds are known to be stubborn from time to time, so it makes sense that the Jack Russell Pug mix can also have a stubborn streak or suffer from Small Dog Syndrome. Like all dogs, they need a strong pack leader owner to teach them right from wrong. Are Jug Dogs Easy to Train? Even though they can be stubborn, Jugs are definitely trainable. Like with any dog the keys to successful training are starting young, using positive reinforcement, and staying consistent. Photo courtesy of hugojughug on Instagram Jugs are generally friendly dogs that get along with both people and other animals. Many Jugs inherit the Jack Russel hunting instinct. They always seem to be on alert and keep an ear out for any strange sounds. Like their appearance, the personality of Jug dogs can also vary with some acting more like Jack Russells and others more like a Pug. Do Jug Dogs Smell Bad? The main culprit is their skin folds that can trap dirt as well as more powerful scent emitting glands. The best way to reduce any dog smell is to take care of their coat with regular brushings. Photo courtesy of 3fur. The Jug dog can make an excellent family pet that will even get along with other pets. However, like all small dogs, they are not immune from small dog syndrome and so it is important to make sure they are trained and socialized early in their life. If you are thinking about adopting a Jug puppy, I hope this post was able to answer some of your questions. Recent Posts.

Parti Caring for Labradoodles Labradoodles are lively, energetic dogs that need lots of attention and care. Exercise and Walks To stay happy and calm, Labradoodles require hours of walking or other exercises daily. They also love games and training, so frequent playtime is a must with this breed. Throwing a ball or involving them in runs l can help them burn energy — which they have a lot of! Due to their size, Labradoodles can reach up to 35 mph when sprinting. They can be curious and sometimes mischievous, so — as with any dog — you must be careful when you let them off the leash. Labradoodles have thick double coats. This means they can withstand somewhat colder temperatures. They may feel especially uncomfortable in temperatures below 40 degrees Fahrenheit. Keeping them outside for too long in temperatures this low will even put them at risk of frostbite and hypothermia. Meanwhile, their thick fur can make walking and exercising in hot climates like Texas and California unbearable. In temperatures above 68 degrees Fahrenheit, Labradoodles will face a heightened risk of heat stroke, especially during vigorous exercise. Their outdoor activity should be briefer and less energetic on hot days. You should also keep your Labrador well-groomed especially during hot weather , as a thinner coat can help keep them cooler. Feeding The amount of food a Labradoodle needs will depend on size, age, and activity level. Feeding them smaller, more frequent meals — instead of one or even two per day — can prevent your Labradoodle from eating too much, too quickly, which may help their digestion. Larger dog breeds like Labradoodles also need a wide variety of foods to get all the nutrients they need — more so than smaller dogs. Sleep Labradoodle Puppies need around 20 hours of sleep per day to promote healthy growth and development, while adult Labradoodles require hours. These are just general guidelines, of course; their sleep needs will also depend on how much exercise they get during the day. The more active they are, the longer they'll sleep. Not sleeping enough can cause obesity or a weak immune system in dogs, so it's essential to make sure they get enough shut-eye. If you notice your Labradoodle isn't sleeping enough, it may help to build a more structured routine and give them more exercise. Labradoodles are known for being wonderful family dogs: They love being around people, including kids. Their playful and gentle personalities make them excellent friends for children. They can even help kids de-stress and improve their communication skills. However, you should keep an eye on Labradoodles around young children during the teething stage, as they can occasionally nip. How Affectionate Are Labradoodles? They enjoy being with their owners, often choosing to sleep near or cuddle up next to them. Labradoodles will make eye contact, lick your face, or lean against your legs as a sign of love. How Territorial Are Labradoodles? Labradoodles are always ready to make friends, so they tend to get along well with other dogs. Will Labradoodles Tolerate Other Pets? Although it depends on the temperament of both animals, Labradoodles can usually tolerate living with other pets in your home. They may even become close friends with them if they receive the proper training and socialization. Labradoodles are highly social and active dogs who require lots of care and attention. Shedding Levels Unlike hair coats, Labradoodles with wool or fleece coats do not shed. Although there are three different coat types, all Labradoodles can grow long, thick hair, so regular brushing two to three times per week is necessary to prevent matting and tangles. Taking them to a professional groomer every weeks is advisable. Keeping their coat thin can keep them cool during warmer months. And trimming the hair around their ears can help ward off infections. Labradoodles also need to be bathed once a month to remove dirt from their coat. Remember to brush before you wash them to remove any matted fur, as matting will be difficult to eliminate once wet. Are Labradoodles Hypoallergenic? Although no dog is entirely hypoallergenic, Labradoodles were originally bred to cause minimal reactions, so they're better for allergy sufferers than other breeds. Wool or fleece-coated Labradoodles shed very little, so dander — dead skin cells present in the fur — won't spread around the house as much. Although this can still cause problems for people with allergies, it may cause less of a reaction than the higher levels of dander produced by many other breeds. Labradoodles with hair coats, on the other hand, will shed moderately, so they may not be a good choice for allergy sufferers. Labradoodle Barking Habits Labradoodles are fairly quiet dogs who only tend to bark when they need something. They may also whine or whimper when they want attention. Labradoodles are intelligent dogs, and they do sometimes use barking to communicate. Labradoodles usually reach their full growth potential within months. They can sometimes continue growing up to 2 years, especially if their parents are both large dogs. Are Labradoodles High-Maintenance Dogs? Labradoodles require lots of attention, exercise, and grooming to keep them happy and healthy. Therefore, they are considered a high-maintenance breed. January 23, 0 Comments WorldAnimalFoundation. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. These cute little designer dogs can be great family pets and good companions for work-at-home people. They were bred for those who loved the standard Labradoodle but wanted something smaller. This crossbreed is a popular choice for both experienced and new dog owners because of their calm temperament. They get along with other people and dogs and are easy to train. They can be stubborn, but they are very reward-driven. Even someone with allergies can potentially keep this dog. The idea originally started when breeders bred purebred Labrador Retrievers and standard Poodles to make more hypoallergenic dog breeds with Labrador friendliness and intelligence, creating the standard Labradoodle. But as wonderful as Labradoodles are, they can get pretty huge. Both the Labrador and the standard-sized Poodle are pretty big. So reputable breeders started breeding the purebred Labrador Retriever with the purebred Miniature Poodle to make a smaller version: the Mini Labradoodle. These cute little dogs are known for having big personalities despite their smaller bodies. They love their humans and can sometimes be protective of them. They also love running around and playing. Mini Labradoodles are highly intelligent, like their parents, and are very easy to train. They combine the loyalty, intelligence, and easy trainability of the Labrador with the low-shedding, more allergy-friendly coat of the Standard Poodle and Mini Poodle. Vital Statistics Height: inches, highly dependent on parents Weight: pounds, highly dependent on parents Average lifespan: years Energy level: High energy and needs lots of exercise Trainability: Highly intelligent dogs and easily trainable Shedding: Low shedder, high grooming needs History of the Mini Labradoodle Miniature Labradoodles are a relatively new crossbreed. They are believed to have been bred in Australia in the s when a breeder made the first successful cross of a Labrador Retriever and a Mini Poodle. And so, a reputable breeder wanted to mix the Labrador Retriever with a breed having a non-shedding coat. The standard Poodle was the perfect candidate. Both standard Labradoodles and Miniature Labradoodles came along from this need. First, the standard Labradoodle came along. Standard Labradoodles were popular but much too big for some people. So then the Lab was mixed with the Mini Poodle to make a smaller pup. Generally needs .You should have a good decade or so before you have to worry about health problems related to aging. Some dogs may live longer or shorter lives depending on how healthy they are. Lifestyle management can help maximize the time you have with your dog. Be on the lookout for health issues potentially passed down from the parents. Size Miniature Labradoodles are meant to be smaller versions of the Labradoodle. The designer dog mixes the traits of Labrador Retrievers and Toy Poodles to make a smaller dog. Smaller individuals may be around 14 inches tall. That said, the exact size may depend on the characteristics of the parents. These dogs still come from a fairly big breed. Larger individuals may be closer to 24 inches tall. It can be difficult to determine how big a Mini Labradoodle puppy will get until they grow. Weight Smaller Mini Labradoodles may weigh around 10 pounds or more. Again, they may be bigger and heavier depending on the genes inherited from their Lab and Mini Poodle parents. Larger individuals may weigh up to 30 pounds. Coat The Mini Labradoodle is meant to have the Poodle coat, a low-shedding coat that is allergy-friendly. The coat type and color can vary from individual to individual based on the genes of the Poodle parent or Labrador parent. Some coats may have a wool texture, coming from their Poodle genes. These coats require a lot of grooming. Other coats may be a soft, fleece texture. It may be wavy or curly. Some individuals may also have a hairy, straight coat closer to that of Labrador Retrievers rather than a Poodle coat. Color Mini Labradoodles can come in many colors. They may also be single-colored or multi-colored. It depends on the genes they inherit from their very different-looking parents. Mini Labradoodle Temperament and Personality Mini Labradoodles are believed to be the perfect family pet and companion because of their family-friendly characteristics. They are great with kids and other animals and are all-around easy to get along with. That said, they can also be protective of their family. Miniature Labradoodles can get lonely easily, and they do not like being left alone for too long. Leaving them alone for eight hours or more a day may lead to depression, separation anxiety, and the destruction of your furniture. As adorable and friendly as they are, they may not be the best for families that are out of the house all day. As tempting as it can be, avoid overfeeding your Mini Labradoodle with high-fat treats, no matter how much they beg. Like their parent breed, the Labrador, they can get overweight if overfed. Also, keep their age in mind; puppies and senior dogs need different kibbles. Mini Labradoodles and any breed should be kept on a puppy-based kibble until they are a year old to ensure they get the nutrients needed to grow properly. Seniors, meanwhile, may need senior food that helps them get the most nutrients out of their food. As they age, some dogs have trouble getting the nutrients they need from normal kibble and lose weight at an alarming rate. Family Compatibility Mini Labradoodles are great family dogs because of their friendliness. They can get along great with families and other pets. These dogs are also very playful and love family interaction. You can potentially take your Mini Labradoodle on hikes, trips, or errands without too much trouble. Children should also be taught not to be too rough with them, no matter how easygoing they are. No jumping on them, pulling their tails or ears, or chewing on them. Even the gentlest dogs have limits. Mini Labradoodles can get lonely easily and even depressed if left alone for too long. That said, they can suffer from some health conditions passed down from their parent breeds. Some health concerns these dogs may be at risk of are hip dysplasia, obesity, and bloat. Hip dysplasia occurs when the hip develops incorrectly as a puppy, causing problems later on. It can cause pain and dysfunction as the dog grows. Over time it can cause problems like arthritis and mobility issues. Obesity is a common problem among Labradors that can be passed down to their Mini Labradoodle children. Therefore, avoiding high-calorie treats and overfeeding them too much is best. Obesity can cause a range of other health problems in the future, like arthritis or joint pain. This is a hereditary disease passed down from Labradoodle parents. Mini Labradoodle puppies are more susceptible if their parents had it. Do not breed your Mini Labradoodle for Mini Labradoodle puppies if they have this disease. Exercise-induced collapse occurs when a dog overexerts itself while exercising. This particular problem is more common among Mini Labradoodles, so keep an eye on them when running around. This can be life-threatening. While your Miniature Labradoodle is running around and exercising, watch for symptoms like a lack of coordination, muscle weakness, or other signs of exhaustion. Make sure they stop and take a break if they seem to be tiring themselves out. Owners should also be careful of diseases like hypothyroidism. In addition, you should clean their ears periodically to avoid ear infections. Mini Labradoodles need consistent grooming and coat care to keep their fur from matting and getting messy. They need to be groomed multiple times a week, at the least. Daily brushing is recommended if possible. These dogs are incredibly active, coming from two very active breeds. They need a good minutes of exercise a day. They enjoy running and need to be able to burn off all that energy. Mini Labradoodle Training The Miniature Labradoodle is considered very easy to train, even for new dog owners. When all else fails, you can pull out a bag of dog treats to get their attention. You should start training early to avoid behavior problems later on. Keep a bag of low-calorie treats handy during the early days of training. Praise good behavior with a treat as soon as it shows desirable behavior. If your Miniature Labradoodle does something wrong, do not lash out at them, as it may worsen things. Punishments like hitting may lead to fear or aggression that would not have existed without it. Instead, redirect them to the right behavior and then reward them. These little guys can be stubborn and set in their ways if you wait too long. They love their humans, but they can also be a bit protective of them. Teaching your Mini Labradoodle puppy early on that other people and animals are safe is a good way to avoid any future problems like growling or lashing out at strangers. Trust me; you do not want to wait until your dog starts getting nervous about new people and animals to start socializing them. Once they start getting antisocial, it gets harder to mingle them. So go ahead and start taking them out and letting strangers give them treats and pets. Do Mini Labradoodles Bark a Lot? Miniature Labradoodles are not known for barking a lot. Depending on the individual, they may occasionally bark at the door or bark while playing. This breed is generally seen as a moderate barker. Any excessive barking can usually be addressed through positive training by rewarding quiet behavior. They may get into trouble and chew things up out of frustration or just get depressed to the point of illness. Never leave a young Mini Labradoodle puppy alone. They may get into something and get themselves hurt. Is the Mini Labradoodle Hypoallergenic? The non-shedding coat of the Miniature Labradoodle is more allergy-friendly than most. They can also be a good choice for those with concerns about allergies. These small to medium designer dogs are intelligent, loyal, and love pleasing their humans, much like their parent breeds. Mini Labradoodles also require consistent attention and will get lonely if you leave them alone for too long. Make sure you have the means to care for any dog you decide to get. Kelly Smeby Kelly Smeby is a freelance writer specializing in pets and animals. She has written several articles about pet health, training, and behavior. Kelly has lived with many types of animals since early childhood. Kelly has also lived with multiple cats, birds, and fish. Kelly currently lives in Florida with a two-year-old Pekingese and a cat and continues to learn new things from them every day. She enjoys learning even more about animal health and behavior and sharing that knowledge with others through writing. She has a strong background in research, business, and writing from her time in college. Kelly hopes to use her experience to help other pet owners who need help understanding their dogs, cats, or other pets. She hopes her work will help promote better understanding between humans and animals. Leave a comment Your email address will not be published. Post Comment. Some of My Favorite Products For Dog Owners The General Idea of How to Discipline a Labradoodle Mainly your goal here is to communicate with your Labradoodle and make sure that they get the message as to which behaviours are considered good and which are not. Avoid using any kind of physical abuse as punishment as that will only cause more damage to your Labradoodle. You can try the two kind of obedience training available for your fur babies: Positive Obedience Training: This training uses humane methods to discourage any unacceptable and bad manners. This method is completely brutal, vicious, and useless. Going for this method will be a bad decision and will harm your pooch. Hence using positive obedience training is an absolute better option. Your fur baby understands your message in a much safer way than aversive obedience. Doodles loves to run and play Basics of Labradoodle Discipline Make the Rules Clear In order to discipline your dog, the most important rule that you need to teach it is the NO rule. The best option is to apply this method from the very beginning of having your Labradoodle. So keep patience and be consistent with the training. Ninja Advice: Inform all your family members about the activities that your pooch is allowed to do. Fixing Wrong Behavior Fix their wrong actions right away. Remove the shoe from him and instead hand him a toy to chew on. Respond negatively to some situations if needed. For example, in case your Labradoodle is going crazy and aggressive over something, pause the playing and avoid him, take whatever toys he has away, and consider putting him in a separate room. However, this is only an instance. Meal Training 2. Training of Basic Commands 3. The Crate Training 4. Getting Them Potty Trained 5. No command Training 1. Meal Training Eating is the favorite part of Labradoodles. Labradoodle puppies will bite and eat anything as long as it fits in their mouth. No kidding. In fact just yesterday I caught my 8 months old Labradoodle trying to eat a stone. Your goal here is to make sure that your dog only eats when you command it to. This will both discipline your dog about the meals and at the same time make you appear as an alpha figure to your Labradoodle. Step 4: Repeat this process every day and every-time while feeding your Labradoodle. Remember to stay consistent. Training of Basic Commands Getting a puppy is just like having a toddler. To get the best version of the dog, start teaching right and proper manners from the beginning. Although it might not be possible to teach them every single rule of the house, you can still teach them some basic commands. There are 7 necessary commands you should teach your Labradoodle. Teach your Labradoodle puppy his name. Try teaching your dog all the basic commands individually and record his disciplines. Crate Training Labradoodles are renowned for getting into trouble. It can be used to house train the Labradoodle. It can take weeks or months and it all depends on the age, temperament, and previous experience of your Labradoodle. Make sure you crate-train him accordingly. Make an enjoyable space for your Labradoodle. Step 2: Motivate your Labradoodle to take a look inside and go in eventually. Maybe try putting his favorite treat or toys inside to make the crate look friendly, safe, and approachable for him to go in. Step 3: Create a positive vibe around the crate. Whatever the situation may be, your dog needs to be surrounded with positive things regarding the crate. To make this happen, you can try out number of things such as: Throw some of his favorite treats inside the crate and allow him to figure out. Whenever you find your Labradoodle giving a visit to the crate, praise and reward him with treats. This method will help him get used to closing doors. Repeat this process and over time increase the closed door time. NOTE: This was only a common crate training idea, but to get the detailed and progressive guide check out how you can crate train your Labradoodle. Getting Them Potty Trained Giving them potty training is basically teaching them where they can poop and where they can not. For this process to work, it might require a lot more time, determination, efforts, and patience than usual. Follow the same intervals too. Keep a record of a one week time whenever your pooch poops. It reminds me of the time I potty trained Groot. A nice treat would give him a sign that you encourage that behavior. Since puppies take a poop more than twice everyday, things might get really exhausting. Soon enough your Labradoodle will learn his exact place and time to pee and poop. Keep some treats ready to reward him whenever he listens to you. .Keep some treats on the floor for him to spot it. When you see him stop trying, toss him a treat and compliment him. Keep trying this with various things like his favourite toys or some old footwear he loved to chew. According to many dog trainers, yelling at your dogs will only make his behavior worse and more aggressive. Find the firm sweet spot. This would make sure your Labradoodle gets familiar with it and ultimately understands it. For instance, in case your pooch begins to pee in your room, lift him instantly and put him at his pee spot. Apply the Timeout Strategy If you notice your Labradoodle disobeying you, apply the timeout strategy. This involves putting him in a different room and taking all his toys away. This will allow him to think about his actions. LabradoodleIf you notice your Labradoodle disobeying you, apply the timeout strategy. Clap or make a loud noise to distract your dog if he is nibbling on you. The noise distracts them and they stop biting or nibbling and you can now toss a toy to them to redirect their attention. This will make everything easy for both of you. Your pooch will avoid your commands, bark more, and become excessively possessive of his toys. None of us want that. What can you do to claim your authority back? Teach him some tricks. This can cause more harm and even give them trauma which can ruin your relationship with him forever. So, no rewards for the bad behaviors. You know the reason why your Labradoodle is barking or whining. Screaming at your Labradoodle. In fact, your Labradoodle might try to keep up with your tone and start barking aggressively. This can eventually become a habit. So the best option is to avoid yelling in the first place. These links are affiliate links, so if you do end up using the links, I will earn a commission. Dog Food: Every dog needs to eat correctly, and finding the best food for your dog can be challenging, as the market is absolutely flooded with products. What could people mean, then, when they say their dog is stubborn? When I say lack of training, what I really mean is lack of training in the face of distractions. Take my own dog, Nemo, as an example. He likes to go now, go fast, and go far. Logically, it would be much easier and more pleasant for him to walk on a slack leash. Well, yes, it probably would. So why, then, would Nemo still pull? Plain and simple. What do you do if you think you have a stubborn dog? Teach him! Take your clicker and these treats with you on your walk. When you step out the front door, wait for your dog to look back at you. The instant he looks in your direction, click and give him a goodie. Take another few steps and stop. Wait for him to look in your direction, click, and treat. Next, take several steps and when the leash gets tight, stop. Just wait for your dog to turn to look in your direction before you click, treat, and begin to walk again. Your dog will get the message that the walk will continue when he looks at you. Make a list of the things that really interest your dog. He loves to smell the ground, the bushes, the road. If your dog has a problem with, say jumping on guests, put your dog on a leash before your visitors arrive. You can then prevent the dog from jumping by simply keeping him away from the guests and by asking him to sit. Can your dog sit even when you open the door? With distractions? Talk back! The science is coming in fast and furious! Lots of research is being done in this area and the results are fascinating. Labradoodles, are one of the most popular crossbreeds in America. All young puppies experience a period of hyperactivity. Labradoodles should calm down by around three years old. Table of Contents What age do Labradoodles calm down? Most Labradoodles reach adolescence at months old and grow to their full adult size by 12 months of age, although they can take as long as 18 months to develop fully. They take a little longer to mature mentally, and may not be emotionally mature until 3 years old. At that point they are a lot better at regulating their energy levels. That said, Doodles should remain relatively high-energy dogs as adults, well into their old age. However, being too hyper can cause problems. Signs of hyperactivity in Labradoodles Signs of hyperactivity in Doodles include fidgety movements, a short attention span, impulsiveness, attention-seeking behaviors, unprovoked snapping, aggression, and not being able to socialize well with other dogs. Why is my Labradoodles so hyper? Labradoodles are naturally high-energy, playful dogs. They are part Labrador Retriever, a very energetic breed, and part Poodle, one of the most intelligent breeds on the planet. The more intelligent a dog is, the more mental stimulation they tend to need to avoid getting bored. So, naturally, Labradoodles need a lot of exercise and play. This can result in pent-up energy and hyperactivity. It can also lead to anxious and destructive behaviors, such as pacing, panting, excessive barking, and destroying personal and household items. How much exercise does a Labradoodle need? A healthy adult Labradoodle needs around an hour of exercise every day, preferably split into two walks. Doodles enjoy walking, running, hiking, and swimming, so try to vary the location and do different activities on your walks to keep them stimulated. Labradoodle pups need to build up their exercise routine, with 5 minutes of exercise per month of their life twice a day. What do Labradoodles like to play? Dogs love playing games that exercise their natural instincts. Historically, Labradors and Poodles were both bred to hunt, and primarily in water. So, Labradoodles love games like fetch and chase, and anything involving water. Paddling pools are a good idea! Some other popular games for bright dogs include hide and seek, treasure hunt, and the cup game. To play hide and seek, ask your Labradoodle to sit and stay while you hide somewhere in your home. Then, call them to come and find you. To play the cup game, place two empty cups face down on the floor in front of your Doodle, and put a treat underneath one of them. Switch the cups around and ask your dog to find them. Toys that stimulate the senses are great, too, especially for younger Doodles. The importance of socialization Socialization is very important for dogs of all kinds, but especially super-social breeds like Labradoodles. Not only is it essential for their well-being, but it is also very stimulating and will burn up a lot of their daily energy. Try to involve your dog in your family life as much as possible, and interact with lots of friendly people and dogs on walks. This will also prevent aggressive behavior and snapping during periods of hyperactivity. Ideally your breeder will have already started some socialization and exposure with the puppy such as to different sounds and surfaces before you bring him or her home. Training a hyper Labradoodle Hyperactivity can make training a dog difficult, but not impossible. The key is to harness their energy and playfulness, rather than try to suppress it or punish them for it. Start training your Labradoodle as early on in their life as possible and try to keep your training sessions concise, consistent, regular, and fun to avoid stubbornness. How to calm down a Labradoodle? If your dog behaves badly, ignoring them by crossing your arms and turning away from them is the best response. Once they calm down, you should reward them for their calm behavior, so that they understand that this is what you want. They use naturally soothing ingredients like CBD and lavender to bring down stress levels and relax the body and mind. There are also calming collars and beds that emit calming scents and provide a sense of security. Do Labradoodles make good family dogs? Their high-energy, playful nature makes them ideal for large families, active families, and families that love to have fun and explore. However, because of their training and exercise needs, they are not ideal dogs for first-time dog owners. Is separation anxiety common in Labradoodles? Separation anxiety is fairly common in Labradoodles, especially those that are also experiencing hyperactivity. This is because the most common cause of hyperactivity in dogs also causes separation anxiety. You can do this by leaving your Doodle alone for short periods of time, and gradually building up the time that you are apart. This will create trust and understanding with your dog that you will always come back. This lets them know that there is something to look forward to the next time you leave. You can also relieve some anticipatory anxiety by doing some of the things you commonly do before leaving the house, such as grabbing your keys or turning off the TV, and then not leaving to remove the association. If your dog is destructive at first, try putting them in a crate or confining them to a safe area of the home with a dog gate. Can Labradoodles be low-energy? Labradoodles are generally high-energy dogs. Several health conditions can cause low energy in dogs, including infections, diseases, allergies, and hormonal disorders. As long as you can meet their needs, the lovely Labradoodle makes a wonderful companion and a great family pet! Starting out just training her own Border Collies, she gradually expanded to local classes and seminars, now she travels as far as Europe and teaches students all over the world on how to train their dogs in a positive, bonding, game-based way. She is known for her clear, step-by-step training that lets beginners and advanced dog trainers see lasting results very quickly.

As a printmaker, I need my focus and concentration, to work without distraction. Is there a perfect breed of studio dog? I think I need a quiet companion, though we can all benefit from morning and evening walks. Can someone who lives happily without a dog learn to live happily with one? Dogs are angels sent from heaven to make us into better people. A few minutes of petting a dog releases oxytocins into the bloodstream of both dog and human, reducing stress and lowering blood pressure. Dog people may live longer. Every puppy begins in joy and ends in tears. Sometime ago I wrote about the loss of our former dog, Emily. The email condolences that came in here were overwhelming. Lining up trusted dog sitters is vital. Having said that, a dog will increase your studio hours and prevent you from wandering off and getting into trouble. A loving tail-wagger in the studio goes a long way in a profession of loners. I happen to think that dog people are the best people, perhaps because dogs, just like artists, have excellent dreams and fantasies. But there are cat people too, and they are just as passionately converted. Gerbils, weasels and rats do it for some folks, particularly as starters. You have a good husband — I think you should also have a good dog. Forget about the ready money. Stanley Coren Esoterica: Dorothy the Airedale has a particularly spirited personality. Good for my cardiovascular, she is always eager to go for a walk. Uniquely, she is also content to play ball with herself. She is a happy girl, rather overly bonded but universally friendly. An occasional garden digger, as I write this she is curled up with dirty feet in a pile of paint rags. To her credit, she steps carefully around paintings when they are casually thrown here and there. Living happily without? Besides being constant muses for me, my two dogs are wonderful company. There are 3 comments for Living happily without? From: Jim Oberst — Jun 07, I also prefer humans. I am now 60, and we are lucky enough to still have our original dog, Riley, as well as three others. How lonely we would be without our pets! For a wonderful, laid-back companion, we both recommend a golden retriever. A dry painting is even worse! My pets have been endless inspiration and I do pet portraits in any medium including on glass mugs! If you provide a cuddly bed the dog will lie there out of your way — usually. But then, we live in the country with a big fenced yard and a big dog-door, so no worries there. We now have two Great Pyrenees — our favorite breed so far for intelligence, kindness and watch-doggedness out here in the woods, though they do tend to lay their massive bulks right behind me when I work at the easel! You are so right about the dog-sitter, but our travel schedule is determined by when SHE is available. We made the mistake of telling our retired traveling friends about her. They are now 13 years old, ancient for Great Pyrs, and are facing a double-departure, perhaps this fall. It takes courage to take on the love of a new dog knowing that it will end with a broken heart! I still have a hard to thinking of her, because it still hurts my heart so much. I have had alot of dogs, but Tango was, by far, the best. She was so kind, and so smart and so beautiful that people would stop their cars to look at her and talk to me. I miss her still. Tango was 10 yrs. Thanks for sharing. From: Libby — Jun 07, Your colors are stunning! From: Tatjana — Jun 07, Beautiful painting! My heart is with you … losing our four-legged family members is one the hardest things to do. Your creativity will grow in leaps and bounds because dogs teach us to be new. To be new we must be willing to be clumsy as being clumsy means you are exploring and never on solid footing. Being new means never having to apologize for being different, creative or failing. Being new gives permission to rest and dream. Being new presents a life without judgment. Being new is curiosity in full bloom. Being new allows laughter to come from deep within your belly. Being new opens the door to creativity. Being new invites quiet. Being new is pure love. Their favourite things to do in life are to go from 0 to75 km an hour in search of the most comfortable couch in the house. They will also sleep for hours at a time without moving which makes for a great subject to paint. There is a reason artists have kept greyhounds and other breeds of sight hounds in their studios over the centuries… They are just a great breed of dog for artists. From: Debra LePage — Jun 07, Your beautiful painting looks just like our late Samantha-a perfect companion, indeed. She spent many hours curled up on a futon in my studio while I worked. From: Deb Munro — Jun 07, I agree with your comments. I have a lurcher greyhound x collie who is the most calming gentle soul I have ever known. Contrary to popular belief, greyhound types require a short run or two per day followed by hours of sleep on a comfy bed. Ideal companions for artists and others to! The latter are all carefully trained to lie calmly where they are told — either beside the artist or nearby under a table no worry about stepping on them or any part of their anatomy. I have two rescued pit bull mixes who think nothing is better than to lie beside me or on the futon behind me all day until I get up to refill my coffee or head to the bathroom. Then they would like to have an hour in the huge dog pen on our rural property, going on walks with me only early in the morning or before dinner. But other than that, they do what they are told when they are told. There is 1 comment for Rescued pit bulls ideal companions by Amber Grey From: linda b — Jun 18, i have a hearing dog and have lived with her for 9 years. She is a pit bull mix. This dog is the absolute best behaved and most loving dog who has shared her his life with me. As you said, she is content to lie on her bed for hours, only getting up when i do. I take her out many times a day and give her extra attention. I have no trouble getting people to stay with her when i am away. Most people want to take her home with them. Her name is Acadia. Some dogs are like soul mates. You know each other immediately. He travels nicely beneath an airline seat. He sleeps with us at the foot of the bed unless I invite him up to be squished like a stuffed animal while I fall asleep. Tony my dog loves my work. If I feel like reading, he warms my lap. I cannot imagine living without a dog. It would be cruel and unusual punishment for me. I would say do a little homework and notice breeds that work with your lifestyle and surroundings and be prepared to do a little training at first for your investment in your future. Think of it as courtship. I have been without dogs once or twice and it was just plain sad. They make my life far less serious. I also admit that one of our labs likes to be smashed between us on a cold nights. But as one who has just plunked down an irrational amount of money to get on the waiting list for a puppy, I just had to write and express how your words buoyed me this morning. So your words are an affirmation of what I know emotionally, if not yet intellectually. The real remaining worry is that, in my application, I failed to specify that my puppy must have a good eye for composition, temperature and values. However, every hour and a half or so, she will come to the door to remind me that she needs attention as well and so I take a break and we go out and play for fifteen minutes or so. This not only serves to keep her happy but also gets me up and moving for a bit since I tend to paint sitting down at a table and a break is really beneficial. This can be advantageous as I often get too focused on details and fail to look at the whole. Hence, my dog is contributing to improving my art. I also get to transfer some of that love of dogs over into my art as animals, and especially dogs, are a large part of what I do. Not to mention the fact that exchanging that unconditional love with your dog opens you up to deeper relationships with people as well. But I do love all animals and would love to have a dog, too, but Mr. Munchkins vetoed that. After almost losing our cat this winter, I decided no more animals because saying goodbye is too painful. I find cats to be very quiet studio partners. The best advice mine has given to date is to just relax. And Mr. Munchkins adds a great deal of texture to my paintings by way of a film of fine white cat hair in and over everything. I once had a cat, a trickster type, who loved to take a sip when opportunity presented. He prefers yoga to long walks. And we paint to choruses of birds through open windows as much as possible. If the dog feels safe and comfort just from the holders serenity it might be much easier. On the other side… a dog helps a lot to calm you down. For example… a dog can be used from the very beginning to an indoor bench in case of a puppy already large enough for the adult. Quite soon it learnt the positives from this sheltering. Most dogs love staying inside there and learnt that the open! For that purpose use covering towels or plaids on the bench top including the sides, except the open bench door. My dog learnt to step aside when I appear. You can have any breed… it all depends on how you interact with your dog. Even non-acting means for dogs a communication. Without such breaks I would live unhealthy and forget about any breaks. My dog is my personal gain. My collie Riley is my studio buddy, my walking companion, my muse, my model, my confidante and so much more. Clambering, pestering, poking into everything. They are loved in this home but banished from the studio. Give me a dog any day! He walks me daily to get me out of the studio for some exercise, and keeps me generally sane. I have noticed in many older photos of artists working in their studios, that a dog is curled up somewhere near the workspace. I cannot imagine not having one to keep me company in this solitary endeavor of painting. The poodles were wonderful, devoted pets who loved to be in the studio — or anywhere I was. The cockatoo is more likely to be out chasing birds from the yard. But I missed the company and devotion and now have my little Romeo. Most dogs want to please their owners, so teaching them is the first responsibility of a dog owner — and pick the right dog for you, and your lifestyle. From: Barbara Carter — Jun 02, Dog people are good people. Dogs know that which is why they overlook all our shortcomings and concentrate on our positive qualities. But people have to know themselves to pick a breed that is compatible with their lifestyle and personality. Read about the breeds before you choose one. And remember that there are many dogs at the shelters waiting to become a best friend. As for me? I may be a bit biased toward dogs since I currently share my life with five of them. The personalities of my Westies are as different as they can be — one pops like popcorn on a leash, one is a sedate and gentle lady until she hears the word bird! People in North American should get to know Brussels Griffon more. They ask only one thing — to be with me. They can outrun the wind and look over their shoulders to see if I am watching. Dogs are great. And they seem to believe that we are great too. There are no small dogs — only little dogs. From: Bette Laughy — Jun 02, My Airedale experience was a lovely dog who occasionally visited our neighborhood. In spite of her effect on our cat, we looked forward to her occasional visits; she was truly special. She is selectively deaf, blind enough to prefer to walk on a leash, now allows her brother the cat to lick her and even occasionally licks back, and is my companion in everything including painting. She is my joy, and I will not travel far from home as long as she is with me. Every day is a gift. And I am still dogless, though I have a cat who thinks he is a dog and does all the doggie things, including accompanying me on walks. However I would like to say that TWO dogs can be easier than one. They bond with each other mine were littermates and so keep each other content when one is busy. Saying goodbye is really terrible. The memories are stellar. A large golden retriever comes to be babysat for a week at a time, though, and we have long and important murmurs about painting, weather, and food. From: Randena Walsh — Jun 02, Oh, I love the companionship of a dog in the studio, and in the field as well, where I get my inspiration for my work. However, from experience I can tell you my previous Goldens have been wonderful studio mates and convenient models. I am sure my pup will get there too. Loving human companionship as they do, Goldens are happy to just be in the same room with you. Exercise is a must, though, for a happy artist and her dog! From: George Forder — Jun 02, As a master of the esoteric, their are few places my mind has not fathomed at some time or another. But the biggest quandary remains unsolved. I grew up with 6 dogs, but when I left home, gradually realised I was a cat person. Cats find me. I find cats. We share a purrfect love. Kitty love is the purrest kind of love. I tolerate dogs, but am old enough to not have to fake it anymore. Every argument voiced for dogs can be applied to cats. But if a cat decides it wants you, you will burn in the radiance of its light. I think Dogs vs Cats is about control and dependency, but I could be wrong. My cat is a consumate critic. He listens attentively and then asks for food. Like art in a way, letting go, not sure of the outcome but welcoming the opportunity to express. To me a Dog is an expression of pure love. Getting through the Puppy stage and then the adolescent stage is a challenge at times, more dogs are surrendered to shelters during their adolescence than any other time I am told. Once again like art perseverance pays out in the end. Socialise them, guide them and you will be rewarded ten fold in love and loyalty. I cannot be whole without a dog in my life. There are so many sweet, loving older dogs in shelters who no one wants. Everyone wants the cute puppy, but when you get a puppy, you might as well have another child. Puppies are wonderful, but require a lot of time and attention. From: leslie ditto — Jun 03, well I think a dog in the studio is a great idea, my studio space is kinda small right now so I have a cat, I did have to do some cat proofing. But I would probably not suggest a cat for everyone because they can get into alot in a studio. But as any animal in our studio goes, make all toxic materials are up and out of the way. And here is one thing that I had to learn the hard way. .From: Betsy Doody — Jun 03, I paint best with a minimum of 4 dogs around me. What is life without a dog? Betsy Doody From: Susan Stetson — Jun 03, I cannot see myself without a dog, actually two at the moment, cocker spaniels. Even if they have just come in from outside…they go out the studio door, run about the yard, come in and Reilly settles on the couch, Lily under the ottoman the tail and paws stick out a bit? After an hour or so they are just as excited to go have a cup of tea and dog cookies and again with such enthusiasm we go back to work. It brings a smile to me when they do it and now when I picture their little paws running down the steps. What fun to have such enthusiastic and quiet working buddies! From: Troy Gervais — Jun 03, As my faithful companion is now reaching his final days it is bittersweet. He has been my best friend since he was a few weeks old. He has listen to my rantings and the many ideas I have bounced off of him. He has gotten me out for a walk every day of his life even when I was reluctant to do so. I have witnessed many spectacular sunrises and sunsets that I would have probably missed otherwise. I have drawn and sketched him many times. How do I thank a friend like that? He has never forsaken me like some humans can do. He has always been honest especially about his dislike of cats and his love of a soggy tennis ball and a good dinner. When I think back at all the times we have had how can I do anything but thank him for the time he spent here on this earth with me and wish him well on his next journey where ever that might be. Thank you my friend. Not sure if that works so I added some comments here. I am a doggie lover. The hugs, kisses and companionship are great. They do look at you like they understand what your saying also. I think they pick up on the emotion too and comfort me at times. Yes, I am over the doggie edge. Plus, it is a great way to meet and talk to people. There are so many wonderful, loving, sweet dogs in the world. Yes, you take a chance when you get a shelter dog but if you give the dog love they give it right back. It is important to have great doggy sitters when you go out of town. We keep our dogs at home. Some people drop their dogs at a friends or neighbors house who have dogs. Whatever works. I also painted a picture of Currie and Missy with acrylics. They inspire me and love me. It is wonderful! I attached some pictures of Missy, Currie and my back yard where I hang out with the dogs. The other pictures are of flowers I was painting one day. Thanks for talking about doggies. I took off work today and am going to take the doggies for a walk this morning. I agree that it is great exercise too. Have a wonderful day. Lepore — Jun 03, From: Sandie Halyk — Jun 03, When I paint my golden retriever Jessie is right there in the art room, usually curls up and sleeps. It is such a comforting feeling. Wherever we are, that is where she is. She is also our 4 legged physiotherapy. She is a devoted, caring and loving dog. Initially there is a big committment to the training and also there are frustrating times when you have a puppy. We are now starting to go through hip problems as she is older, we do physiotherapy, heat etc. Just be sure you are willing to put in the time to look after a dog as they will put in the time to look after you and be there for you. Hope this is of some help in assisting you to make up your mind. From: Pat Kochan — Jun 03, I was debating over 3 different paintings to put into an up coming art competition; so I put 3 cookies on the floor, one in front of each painting and the one my sweet dog picked was the one that went into the show. It won a top award. Mindy lived 18 years and was the greatest companion and friend to our whole family. From: Bunny — Jun 03, I have a just turned one year old puppy Buddy named by my grandson , who is my studio buddy. He has a pile of toys nearby and is content to chew on those, usually. I had to learn to watch before I step back, get the paper towels that accidentally fall to the floor quickly he loves paper , — or pencils; otherwise he is a great studio friend. From: Cindy Mawle — Jun 03, I like to take my 6 year old chocolate lab, Jesse, with me while painting outdoors. She keeps an eye out for bears and lets me know if someone is coming. I am able to totally absorb myself in my work without anything sneaking up on me. I just have to put up with a few loud sighs from her at the beginning after she realizes that we are staying put. Once on the kettle river she put up a big fuss and I looked up from my work and a coyote was intently watching us from the other bank. As a woman painting out there alone, it can be peace of mind as well as great company. Recently had to give up my cats for adoption due to asthma. Their presence in and around your life lifts you up. Their antics make you smile and their unconditional love are a reminder to us as to why we are here — to enjoy the passing of time with those who give our lives meaning. Their loss leaves a hole in your heart but right now the neighborhood dogs are getting great hiking experience. He was great. Learned not to sleep where I walk, and then all he wanted was just to be with me. The perfect studio companion…slept most of the time, until it was time to wake up and go for walkies. I currently have a 10 mo old chocolate lab, so leaning glass against the wall or work bench is currently a no no. She is, however, learning to put the brakes on before she enters the studio, so my need to modify my behavious will change with time. Love having her with me, and at the moment, a crate is my best friend. Lately I can leave the crate door open and she goes in willingly for a nap, and nudges me when she wakes up. From: Linda C. Dumas — Jun 03, Blaze, a golden retriever mix, was a gentleman from the day he was born. Pancho, the Maine Coon cat, would climb into his little box and sleep the studio time away. Annie, mini-Australian Shepherd and current dog, is very well behaved, but decided she found the studio boring. I bought some special treats, and whenever we went to the studio, she got one. At that point, we will adopt an older rescue dog that has passed the puppy stage. Look for breed characteristics. A beagle is probably not the most fortuitous studio dog — darling dog, but way too energetic. From: Mike Young — Jun 03, Please remember that for some of us dogs, cat and birds produce unwanted allergic reactions such as rashes and asthma. For me this has been since childhood and in spite of series of desensitization shots a reaction still occurs in the presence of such pets, albeit somewhat reduced from my childhood. Studios with pets are out of bounds for me and many like me. Love my cats too. Although when I am doing graphics at the computer they want to have their say…. .All I can add is that is their form of love… just being with me. Now I do occaisionally get black hairs in my polymer and metal clay work. Thanks for the post. I lost the latter last year but I know she is still there, barking away, voicing her opinion on everything. The Collie loves to come to the studio, check out the perimeter desert but mostly sleeps peacefully as I, alas! The cats stay at home. As a rabid animal lover, I strongly recommend adopting or fostering — but do get a dog by any means! As Robert Says, dogs will help you not only live longer, but more happily. I enjoy having them around…. I think Emmy would like to pickup a brush and paint on a canvas herself…. Dogs are wonderful…. Here are some tips: provide puppies with wet frozen washcloths to chew on. This will numb their gums. Our oldest dog is now receiving a round of adequan shots which are helping with her arthritis enormously. She is now off of her pain meds. I cannot live without dogs. They possess true empathy. Surely they were created to be our companions. Thank you Robert for saying dogs are angels sent from heaven to make us better people. So true. From: Mary — Jun 03, Your story reminded me of the best cat we ever had. A Himalayan mix. When I was working on drawings including ink drawings she would carefully leap and land on my table not disturbing a thing. Then sit there moving her head this way and that watching my pen. Always wondered what she thought of my work. They keep the mouse population at bay to save your canvas being turned into bedding and they make great models. When I had a studio cat and was lacking inspiration I would paint my cat. They are the perfect gesture model while bathing, they will pose for long periods if they are occupied with a window to look out and only ask for a meal to compensate them. Yes, dogs drool and in the Studio Cats rule! From: Laudine Borges — Jun 03, Dogs are wonderful. Choose a breed compatable with your lifestyle. Visit dog parks or breeders to see how different breeds behave. It took me a long time to choose the right breed for my lifestyle, a walk by the ocean in the morning and then working in my studio. My dog adds so much to my life. As fulfilling and wonderful as my life was with them, they ruled our lives. We paid for the Vets second home in Maui. And sadly, when they passed, I was not only devastated, but it lead to an immediate break up. When asked at the park how long my dogs would live, I wondered if people would like if they were asked how long their child would be alive. People kept asking me if I was going to get another dog. I felt like I had lost my children. Dogs are wonderful creatures and very loving. Dogs want to be with you. So, as long as they feel included and are in your line of vision, any dog will be a wonderful addition to your studio or home. My experience with Dalmatians is they are particularly hyper dogs. And while they are loyal to the family, they are not great with children. They can also be terribly inbred which can lead to all sorts of heath issues. So, make sure to find a good and reputable breeder. And realize a dog is a commitment and the sign of a good dog is a good owner. Last year I lost Sophia, my Calico cat. She was always there keeping me company while I painted. At times she would sit on a high stool beside me and look out the window; at other times she would be curled up on a chair or maybe inside a box that was open. She was even known to sleep inside an empty frame! Occasionally I would feel her rub up against my leg, and I would run my hand through her soft fur, giving me that warm fuzzy feeling. Well yes, there was that one time when she was young. She came in through an open window with mud on her paws and walked accross my latest watercolor on the drafting board…. .Her calming presence was well worth any inconvenience! My studio is very empty now that she has gone. I have lost my muse. They will reward you with their great love and devotion. After my 14 year old Golden, Andy, passed away in August of , I considered not getting another dog. Life would be easier and less heartbreaking right? I could sleep in in the morning with the cats. I could get right to working. For six months I did without. I did. I realize now I will not live without a dog as long as I can. For six months, I had missed out on sharing quiet, early morning walks in the outdoors to observe and discover nature. I had missed out on conversations with neighbors and being a part of my community. I had missed out on having a friend who nudged me with a wet nose, reminding me it was time for a walk, a break from studio work, to get outside and experience life. So despite the animal hairs that occasionally end up in paintings, the concern about getting home to let the dog out, or the vet bills, I would not have it any other way. It has been a joy to have a dog as a companion and cats, too! The pros outweigh the cons in my view but only you know in your heart, Janet. You have to be committed from beginning to end for it to work…. From: Kathleen Kelly — Jun 03, I have a Wheaton terrier that lays in a corner watching me paint or simply sleeps…. From: Marilena Fluckiger — Jun 03, I think the Chinese Crested Hairless dogs are the most intelligent and the best studio companion dog! They are the total parcel albeit with minimal packaging…hey, eco friendly, too! She was such a loving girl. She also stayed with me in my studio, and lovingly stared at me while I worked, and followed me back and forth to the sink to wash out my brushes, or sharpen my pencils. As a second best, I lay on the floor close to my table, and thought of work I would do when I was better. The trouble was that Woofer lay beside me. This was fine. But she kept creeping closer and closer. Finally, she laid her head my chest, and lapped my face lovingly. I think her endless wet kisses spurred me to get better even faster. Soon, I was back at my easel, and even taking Woofer for her usual walks around the neighborhood. No, she took me. From: Miranda Gray — Jun 03, I am an egg tempera painter, which is a very slow, tedious, time consuming medium. One day I set my painting down on the floor to get a better distance look at it, when the phone rang. I turned my back on the painting to talk on the phone. My mistake. I heard a slurping noise, and low and behold, my dog had licked off many days of work from the painting. Fortunately, egg tempera is a very forgiving medium, and I could repair it. I truly need my dog in my studio to keep me company while I work, but I no longer put the paintings in tongues reach. I too believe that dogs are angels sent to make us better people. From: Cindy Fankhauser — Jun 03, I so needed to hear this answer to a very good question. Can I love it as much as I loved Bailey? I really just want my Bailey back!! But, after reading your letter, I am thinking I better go puppy shopping and give my heart away again! From: Rick Rotante — Jun 03, All the beneficial health reasons for dog ownership are renowned. I have two that seem to have an infectious smile on their faces all day long except when my wife or I have to leave. My wife and I doubly blessed and will probably live doubly long because of them. From: Diane Overmyer — Jun 03, Our family is made up of two parents, three young-adult children and two middle-aged dogs. Unlike my children, my dogs never complain, sulk around or slam doors. They are getting older so if I am quiet they tend to be quiet as well. They often sleep or lay on the floor and look out one of our glass doors. When the weather is nice they spend a good deal of the day out in the yard. The breeds we own are a Sheltie which is a very intelligent, well mannered, loving dog, but ours is more high strung that our other dog. The second dog is a Pembroke Welsh Corgi, which is also pretty smart, but ours sometimes reminds me of an eager two year old. Our Corgi is very protective of me and wants to be near me whenever he can. What a special dog she was to you. I was in the gallery then too. Looking forward to seeing you in Penticton at the Shatford building and the reception for the first 3 Chapters Show. A dog can be so much work, and yet give so much back in love, exercise and companionship. I think Jane will find that the rewards outweigh the negatives. I agree with you about the only 2 drawbacks to owning dogs. From: Susan Vaughn — Jun 03, I agree — dog people are special. I have 2 dogs — A German Shepherd and a Malti-tzu a cross between a Maltese and the Shih-tzu They both come into my studio when I am painting and curl up together and sleep while I paint and listen to my iPod. They are great dogs and I enjoy their company. I think I am a better artist because of the love they give. Before Buddy, Angel would spend hours with me in studio and when she thought I needed a break she would let me know and we would stretch and take a walk…. Now that Buddy is in the picture I had a weak moment and adopted him they spend time on the verandah while I am in studio. I can peak out the window and keep an eye on them and know exactly when we need a break! The daily dog walks are good for clearing the mind and for inspiration. Besides, as has been pointed out, dogs need you and your attention and are happy as all get out when they get it. All they want to do is eat and find a sunny spot to take a nap. Oh, and sit on the brick wall out back at two in the morning and serenade the neighborhood. So loyal, so devoted, so positive. If only we had just a portion of that in our people lives. My big mutt Bruno is the perfect studio dog. Part Chow, German Shepherd, and Akita, he lives for loafing and really improves the ambiance in the home and studio. My little Shia-poo Grady is a napping expert and will happily join and inspire you in this important past-time. My other buddy, Snickers the Papillon, is a ball fetcher extraordinaire and keeps me in shape. I like cats too, but dogs are much more interactive. They want to be with you, to worship you. How can you not like that??? We lost Hershey to cancer very unexpectedly just last Saturday. I have art photos, paintings and drawing of them and they always were nearby often chasing squirrels or rabbits in their dreams. They were excellent companions in the print studio as well. Our lives will never be the same without them. When I take the dogs for a walk in the local park I always pet other dogs and talk to people there. They inspire me. From: Kay Rodriguez — Jun 03, Oh but cat people can get the best support. .I never have to take her out for a walk though she will take one on her own if the door is opened. Sofy takes a nap right there beside me patiently waiting for me to finish. She is a fine forgiving companion gives me room to do my work under her approving eye. Cat people get to watch those personality crazy funny things that make you want to call up your friends to tell them. Dogs have been my life long Co-pilots. They all had distinctive personalities and yes I mourned when I had to put them down. It took me a year to recover from Zeppie, my red merle Aussie with blue eyes. He was the closest and the easiest to train but I can easily live without the shedding. He would lie at my feet while I painted. Now, I have a very independent minded rare breed Canaan Mackie who is nearing his 13th birthday. He is from Israel and was really a basket case when we got him. He still is dreadfully afraid of any engine sounds but has finally given up watching airplanes as they pass overhead. Mackie is much too intelligent! Pavlof training worked once and that game was over. After he has inspected and sized up the intruder, he retires to his bed or near the ac vent in hot summers. As I age, I know that in the future I need a smaller dog something like Toto to be my side as the tornadoes blow into NC. I have had a good feeling because my last three dogs have all been rescued. There are no bad dogs only bad owners who need to learn how to properly train their dog not to be a pest. That bond is strengthened with the attention you give in training your pup who to fit into your life. They want to please and be loved. I know that we will be first in line to enter those pearly gates if God happens to be a Dog. I agree wholeheartedly! Breed does not matter so much, and dog pounds let you test drive. Just a thought!! From: Bruce C. I had the opinion that this breed was high energy because they were used for racing. I was also surprised to find out that they have universal blood. From: Larry Moore — Jun 03, You want a quiet companion? Get a cat. No walking. Might be some issues with hair in your wet paint and hairballs but, overall. From: Catherine Orfald — Jun 03, I agree! My dog Gita is an essential companion. She happily accompanies me on long walks to scope out new scenes and spends long days outside with me when I paint. I have attached a painting I did with Gita as subject this winter: Dog and Snowmobile. My cats occasionally stroll through the studio, but are also too busy and noisy to stay. The best companions I have there are two rabbits. They joyfully race around the studio when I let them out of their large pen and then they settle down contentedly while I paint. I like having different folks for different strokes while I work. From: Guy Giersch — Jun 03, I would recommend a rescued greyhound. These dogs are big couch potatoes. Loving, and always ready for a walk; but stately occupying the couch as you work. Training is key. Plenty of sources to help you decide on the dog for you. I agree totally with you about dogs and dog people. They are high energy puppies but at about the 4 year mark they are content with ball throwing, long walks and just being by your side. They are great friends. My heart constantly melts! For the record, here is my studio companion, Teddy. I got him at a shelter about a year and a half ago, and his acclimation has been very challenging. He still hates to be left alone, only tolerating it begrudgingly, which keeps me on task when I want to roam. While I paint, he dozes and chews his chew bones patiently and only interrupts me for scheduled walks and feedings. Plus, he announces with great vigor that the UPS truck has again arrived to deliver my next eagerly anticipated art book. Removing paint from dog hair is not fun. I have attached a pic of my own German Short-haired Pointer in my favourite studio chair. One other bonus that you neglected to mention is the fee-less modeling these animals are willing to do. He has great angles and curves and moves around a great deal so the challenge is to capture my favourite bits in the time he allows. The companionship is wonderful and, as you yourself are aware, completely non-judgemental! He just oozes love and affection and is quite the centre of attention wherever we go. I have attached a picture of His Royal Cuteness Yukon so you can see his smile. Our cats are more intrusive than our heffalump of a dog! From: Susan Faye Martin — Jun 03, I know what it is like to have disruption with my sweet little pup in the studio. But since she has turned 2, we seem to have more harmony. I have a covered garbage can now to prevent the dragging of miscellaneous items around. I also have learned to leave everything beyond her reach if I want it to stay the way it is. Life is wonderful with a dog in it :- From: Janie Cohen — Jun 03, More times than not I think you are my doppelganger; or you at least follow me around and hear my every thought and anxiety concerning my art. Your loving doggie stories are always welcome here, for I have a very special artigiana without whom I could not paint. Having been diagnosed with stage IV cancer in in remission 5 yrs. Clara is a rescued kitty from a local shelter. These are the tiny greyhounds, not the big ones, but 2 or ours are rescues. Your service of directing surfers to websites sounds interesting. If there is not more info on your service, can I get more? Recently I finished my first book which involves dogs, mystery, fantasy and God knows what else. Your service sounds like it could be very helpful once I get the website for the book finished. He is a treasure. While we still miss all of the dogs we have had the joy of sharing our home with we must admit that 5 large dogs that need to be kept away from each other as the boys were not neutered and wanted to be Alpha and one female who actually was in charge was quite an experience. Even though there were some very interesting and heart wrenching moments when they visited my studio, they were still my favorite models. From: Marilyn S. Mylrea — Jun 03, I just recently got a kitten and cats can also make great companions. My cat loves to watch me paint in my studio. He is not a distraction at all as he just lies there and stares up at me. I love that he is the first being outside of me to see my art as I know his love will always be supportive. I also like dogs and may someday get one. The famous American artist April Gornik also has pets and is a big animal lover. And Emily Carr preferred animals to many people. I think they lift our spirits which is always great and inspirational! At that time, she was given one month to live, and here she is, still with us today, bouncing and pouncing, good days and bad, but so loving and giving. Her little short stubby tail tells all. We also have a lb Labrador, who is a geriatric, however the tail never stops wagging. Love them both. They are small, lively, and do nothing but love people I hope. Thanks for touching on this subject. My home is my studio. Or vise-versa. I am a big fan of adopting animals from the shelter, and of mixed breeds. You do have to devote time and energy to pets, which I find healthy. The walks, play sessions, cuddling all help keep me happy. Life in the studio is way too quiet alone. I have an Australian Shepherd. They are one of the smartest breeds and love lots of exercise. Not only do we get the blood flowing first thing, but during our walk, with the juices flowing, I work out my plan for the day. We come back refreshed and invigorated, ready for a day of painting. She takes a nap on her bed in my studio and I can get my work done. When I need to let paint dry, I play the piano and she comes along side to listen. Currently I have two of these wonderful dogs and I know I am going to be a sad puppy when they leave. I always forgive them and they never hold a grudge. You are right about them being angels. From: Janet Badger — Jun 03, Thank you all so very very much for your supportive and helpful ideas. I feel surrounded by caring friends, and I hope to prove worthy of the dog that will eventually become part of our family. They make very good and docile pets—some people even prefer them to dogs—especially when raised from infancy. In the USA there are laws preventing owning them in some cities, but most states issue licenses for them in rural areas. It would not be too cute for Janet to have a badger as a motto, a logo and a spiritual presence that would help people remember who she is. From: Judy Feldman — Jun 03, My dog, Cleo is my muse — I love sketching her and she appears frequently in my paintings. From: Adrienne Moore — Jun 03, Hi Robert, your most recent letter The dog decision set me thinking about losing my beloved Chewbie, a cross Pyrenee lab retriever,to cancer at the age of eleven. He had been my trusted friend and shared my studio since I adopted him as a pup. He was an alpha male , strongly independent and was always pushing boundaries, so determined was he to have things his way. His antics were amazing and I kept a journal about the amusing situations he got into. When he was no longer with me ,I composed a book ,illustrated it with a few colourful paintings and recently received the first edition which I published. The entire process of writing the book was an opportunity ,to some degree ,to make our parting more bearable. I watch dog owners with envy and I will get another dog one day but first, it is time for me to travel because my favorite companion kept me close to home for many years. .One of the artists, a wee gal with big dreams was hanging large abstracts with limited color schemes. One of the painting, a large creme one was the hit of the show. She decided to leave it and it was the hit of the opening! They are usually trained and their personalities are evident and they are grateful to have a companion. From: Allan Pitfield — Jun 03, Badgers are notoriously nasty animals. If you have one, get it to a wildlife rehabilitation place asap. They are not good pets. Further, they are not interested in art. They are not just my constant companions but my dear little friends. As with Mr. I live alone on my farm, my reward for having raised 6 children by myself, I think, and I cherish the medicinal solitude and Nature all around me. My dogs are comfort, succor and even inspiration to me, if only because they live life so simply but so pure: all about love. I agree with other posters here, look to animal rescue-shelters for a great dog you can train to be with you as you work. In their eyes, there is no judgement, no rancor, none of the negativity humans sometimes bring, only love shining brightly…. That pretty well says it all. My yellow lab, Sunshine, is also cognizant of when things are going badly. He thinks that this is a good time to pat the dog. He is correct. The distraction leads to re-focusing and getting back on track. I take my little guy with me most outings. Here however, we had many friends and acquaintances stopping by to chat, as it is a busy spot for cycling and dog walkers and wide open views up and down the path. One of my breakfast buddies had decided he would try to connect with me later that afternoon, as he was curious to see my setup. After a half hour visit, he roared off and would return to see the finished piece. I continued my painting only to look on Zeke and found he was nowhere to be seen. Picture my panic, yelling and jogging in the direction that our friend had gone in, finally I saw him. All dogs know who have the treats and who are the treat babas. From: -Loraine Wellman — Jun 04, Cats make good studio companions too. However, it could be that they are a little bossier. I get to pause and think- and a lap gets provided. Joe was a rescue dog who used to live with pigs when he was young. He was uncared for so he began to wander our village in search of food. Yes, my horse would drag Joe along by his leg, ever so carefully and the two of them would butt heads and wrestle for hours. When Joe was two, the village decided that we should keep Joe. While in British Columbia we hike in the mountains to paint, sometimes alone and at other times with two friends and their dog. Joe and I are now wandering the Italian Alps and a lovely valley called the Valchiusella. Joe now has two languages, he loves Italian food and has even found some delightful Italian, dog friends. From: Denita Tizard — Jun 05, Thank you! I have been given an opportunity of a beautiful puppy to join our family, and I nearly said NO. From: Jackie Knott — Jun 05, As artists, we tend to travel a lot. This next year will involve even more travel. Because of this we decided not to replace our old dog we lost last year. I always noticed the dogs suffered more anxiety over our absence than the cats. Our dog used to be my shadow for days upon coming home, obviously stressed … our cat is glad to see us return but is back into her routine immediately. Yes, we all love our pets … but one must consider their affection as well. From: Ceci Lam — Jun 05, I totally agrees with your observations on the wealth of having dogs, and of the two primary difficulties. Saying goodbye to a companion of 10 or 12 years is heartbreaking, but the joy and adventure of a new dog is good medicine. Having an ex who uses my garage to restore his British sports cars in exchange for house and dog sitting is invaluable, as I write you from France. Every good home deserves a dog and every dog deserves a good home. I think having a good animal around the home is such a blessing. Aldous Huxley once advised an aspiring writer to get a cat—preferably two cats—to learn more about human psychology. Only once did anything bad happen with one of my cats and my paint, and that was all my fault: I did not realize I had a glob of wet dioxazine purple acrylic paint on my sleeve when I pet Dana until I saw it get transferred to her white flank. Fortunately for me, Dana was the sweetest, most trustworthy and gentle cat that ever lived she died three years ago and I miss her so —she let me hold her under a running faucet so that I could wash the paint off her fur. From: Sheila Minifie — Jun 06, What a wonderful outpouring of appreciation for our hairier companions from everyone. It just flowed out unobstructed, joyfully and quietly in one long digital river. Strolling into the studio in the morning with a cup of coffee and a furry friend at your feet makes the blank canvas much less daunting. Though cats are equally wonderful pets, I have found them to be less than adequate as studio companions. I love cats. I have never been without one or two or three. But they hamper my process. I had to start using a portable palette so when I see Phineas coming I can put the lid on. He likes to sit in the middle of my palette. Scamper always wanted to be right next to me no matter what I was doing…he would climb up the drawing table which was at an angle and then slide down, all the while trying to grab hold with his claws. He would then promptly fall asleep on my arm which was still across the table. It took all this for me to realize why my grandfather never allowed the cats in his studio when I was growing up. I have included a sketch of the cat my grandparents had when I was young. I put my paintbrushes down for 8 months and devoted every possible minute to her. She had never felt the warmth of a human touch before that, had no social skills, nor even knew how to play. She greets us warmly and faithfully every day upon our return, plays all the time and even has learned to place her own signature paw prints on several of my paintings. What joy she brings us! Give a stray or shelter animal your time and love. I have my friend Ferghus at my side most days in my sewing studio. He is also a Therapy Dog and we visit seniors. After losing our last dog at age 7 — I was not keen on another dog yet now we have Ferghus age 3,the joy us greater than the heartache. From: Ted F. If you are to focused and may not hear some one coming they let you know and when you need a break they are always ready to put their head on your lap for some petting and always ready to accompany you whenever you like. This past winter we were to learn that he had cancer, and sadly would not be with us for very long. I asked for one last sit, in the studio. I felt such a profound and deep closeness to him during what was to be his last painting sit with me. Her last days were spent accompanying me while I completed two paintings and started on the third, meant for a group exhibition. The show was cancelled and the third painting has remained unfinished. I guess, though she was almost completely blind and deaf, she could feel my excited vibes. I have three cats, used to have a dog who passed on. Becca stands next to me as I paint, purring, waiting to be petted, giving me the most beautiful green-eyed gaze. Bert—well, he chases Melie, thus livening things up. I always get slightly older, shelter cats. They are healers, angels, guardians of the soul, which is why cats seem to choose us. It makes me immensely sad when I hear cats slandered, or hear of them being discarded or abused. And there was plenty of fur around with the dog, too, huge drifts of it. From: sarastar — Jun 07, I have found that if I point the fan away from my art and keep my studio well swept that hair from any pet is a minimal issue. From: Kathleen Kuchar — Jun 07, I have a terrific studio dog, a standard poodle that I acquired when he was 8 years old his owner died. I quickly learned that he liked to eat my Arches watercolor paper. I wonder if it is the sizing he likes so much. Anybody have a clue what to do about this behavior. Other than that, I call Modie MR. I highly recommend an older dog that is already trained and one that has been rescued. I love my poodle. One day, one day soon. From: Susan Williamson — Jun 08, Last week my Cavalier King Charles spaniel Lily passed away after fifteen and a half years of devoted companionship. I say go for a dog, Janet, and I would recommend a Cavalier. Perfect for an artist. Give your head a smack lady. Get a dog or two!!! Izzit a walk? I think I like this pack! I am a pastel painter. Turns out full tails are not so helpful in the studio. The Workshop Calendar provides up-to-date selected workshops and seminars arranged in chronological order. Each match was with a forfeit up and seasons of schooling and conditioning of each dog. That day, I bought seven or eight dogs from a young man by the name of Danny Burton. At this time, I was trying to buy the dogs bred closest to the ones in Earl Tudors yard. Before this, Danny had spent a few years being friends with Earl Tudor. She was almost fawn color. I was using dogs from most every family of dogs bred in those times. And the ones I was winning the most with was the ones bred the closest to Earl Tudors purest family. It was the same with the others in the game at that time. Everyone in the game at that time, who was at the core of the game, was trying to get dogs bred as close to Earl Tudors yard and purest families as they could. At this time I was going to Earl Tudors shade tree two times a year. We would talk each time from sunup to sundown one day, then I would go home and think for weeks and weeks about what all he told me. A number of times, I had a tape recorder and taped hours and hours of he and I talking to each other. In those days. They all were trying to push him from the mountain he had proven in the game. Many times, when Earl and I talked, he would break down and cry and rub tears and talk about how the game never gave him his due. He told me more than one time about the many dogs that were bred off his yard, then the new owners would change their breeding and try and make A name in this game, they will come after you for themselves. He said, from all over the mountain trying to prove you wrong. I matched him into a painter friend from East Dallas; his name was Billy Purdue. Billy had become friends with an old timer in the Dallas area called, Frank Fitzwater. Billy and Frank had a red rednose family bred dog, bred by Frank. He had been schooled and worked since he was a small pup. He was bred from the purest families from Earl Tudors yard. Frank Fitzwater had been a friend of both Bill Lightner and Earl Tudor and over the years, became a breeder of their family of gamedogs. Frank and Earl had climbed into the pit with one another more than once. Frank had won over Earl and Earl had won over Frank. Frank Fitzwater was matching dogs a number of years before Earl Tudor matched his first dog. When we met at pitside, after going near a season without seeing one another, I could see Billy had lost weight and Frank was drinking some good whiskey. This was the way of the match till near 40 minutes. Both dogs had been off their feet but, only for one or two seconds at a time. Frank was a tall man of over 6 ft. He was slim and never a man to show any fat. Frank was known as a long dog walker. He learned his conditioning from Lou Bowser when he was near 20 yrs. His stories were very interesting and he would match a dog into anyone who would match a dog. Frank was known over the U. Billy and Frank were both ready to give up the Match as we got a handle. When the ref. His next match came one weekend when there was a big show in the area. There were a number of people who were coming from every area in the U. The pits were out in the open or under a grove of trees. Over the pit and seats were a light cover for shade. Most all of these big Texas shows had near 10 matches each show. The number one dogs and dogmen of that time were meeting each-other at every show. And in those days, winning was a big part of the game. Earl was making a number of the shows in those days but, most he missed as his health was a wreck and his nerves were near out of control. Earl, in his late years, became a man many found very hard to be around. He was like an animal that would go wild within two seconds. When he talked he went into his stories to tell you the different looks on the different peoples faces at the time of the stories. And when some stories reached a point, he would begin crying, taking his eye glasses off and wiping tears from his eyes. His stories I listened to for hours each visit. Many of the stories Earl told me were stories I had heard but, told to me in a different way. And, in a room like that at a show, there would be many stories told about the different areas and gamedogs and the people who play the game. It was as if most were trying to push Earl from his true area on the mountain. It was plan to see the way the game matched itself into Earl Tudor in many ways as he proved himself. We all prove ourselves over a matter of years, and years, and years of playing the game. And talking of Playing the game; at the time when one of the big Texas shows came off in this area, there were a number from California who had come to my shade tree for a visit. One was an Indian Chief called Indian Sonny. Another was a large land owner in California, his name Larry McCaw. Another was a good gamedog man called Freddy Jones. He was fast to try and get Freddy and I together for a match while the Indian was trying to get into my pedigree and Picture collection. In my dog yard in those days, there were no shade trees. The dogs and their houses were in an open area with the grass kept cut. Each dog house had a lean-to shade on one side of their house. Each dog had a water hole beside or under their house. At that time, a field investigator for the Humane Society called Jerry Owens was starting to make headlines and TV news about how he was investigating dog fighting in this Texas area. The next show that came off in the spring of , was a show where it rained all the day long and pit side was near people who watched the matches all day till the last match ended under the light of a lantern. When this show came off, Jerry Owens got into a line leaving the motel to get to the pit side, then left to go buy him and his friends some rain coats. The pit was set up on the father of the Asst. District Attorneys ranch. Jerry Owens made it to the phone and called a number of different laws but, could not get a hold of any who would make the bust. For the next few weeks, Jerry Owens wag on headlines and TV shows talking about the size of the pit and the washing and weighing of the dogs. The story was on the headlines of all the papers in the Texas area. About this time, the number one Texas Ranger in Texas came to the shade tree on the mountain, his name was Boss Hogg. His name was Jimmy Wimmberly. George Gilmen, who was at that time, a close friend who he and I had matched near 20 dogs together; he was backing me with money. One week later Jimmy called and asked if he could turn the dog over to another old friend called Roland Fontenot. It was near 2 weeks till match time. I told him to let Roland have him to work. The deal was made and the fourth day in front of the matches, I drove into Louisiana with a large truck and the pit sticking out the rear of the truck. There was three of us from this area that made the trip with the pit and bleacher seats and five dogs that was matched at the show. We set up camp at pit side beside a river in a grove of tall pine trees on a sandy road behind an old half vacant house that was lived in by a horse jockey. When I got the dog from Jimmy, I put him on a 70 lb. We talked on a few hours, as we ate duck and drank wine. We were all looking forward for-the matches; we all had our pockets full of money to bet on the ones we liked. The next day before the last feeding, we drove the truck and dogs to the motel where everyone was staying. We got a large room for all the dog people to meet, talk, drink and smoke in. The dog talk was stories from every area in the U. A while after sunset, in drove two station wagons with five people in each car. It was the dog men from the West Coast. It was as if he was putting on a show of his body as he stood and then licked Freddy in the face. Pit weight dog and had won one match at 48 lbs. Bull Plug had won an off the chain match at 52 lbs. This was a big money match, it was the match we had more money on than any of the matches. In this area, the talk about these two dogs was being bet on in many areas. Four weeks before the match,, the betting became even. The betting, at the weigh in and wash tubs, was being made one after another as the California people were calling all bets. Then he was fast back into the broken shoulder. He took a deep hold between the chest and shoulder and rooted in deep. He was also getting hotter and hotter. These two big dogs fought one another hard for near two hours; they scratched 10 or 15 times each. On his way home to Ft. This was in the fall of .This stone and tree can still be seen in Ft. Worth, Texas in Bull Plugs dog yard. The next match was males at 43 lbs. Maurice was using an outcrossed bred dog that was bred from some good bred dogs he had at one time. How about us matching for the gate money? He was young and had little time being schooled. The next match was a big money match with females at 27 pounds into a 29 pounder. We, the North Texas dog men, were matched into number of dog men from Tennessee. Billy was a top rated boxer in Pro Boxing. He conditioned and handled his 29 lb. Bush, from Alabama. That match was Picked up when the show was busted by the Mississippi law. John was a man with lots of money and a few were trying to get in with him. He lost his forfeit but, had two lbs. The next match was between the North Texas dog men match into Floyd Boudreaux and his cajun friends from Louisiana. The match was males at 33 lbs. When we made it home near two in the early morning, we went straight to bed. Then, up at seven in the morning to take the dogs out of their crates. Maurice was selling black Pups for a hundred dollars more than the other Pups he sold. A short time later, the Con of Bulldog Hill called the Indian. Then the Indian called me, then the Indian got out of the game for a few years. Many times when we play the game, we stray from the truth. Not just a few of us but, the very large percent of us do sometime stray from the truth. Then, in later years, the truth becomes proven and it has a way of making one a bit sick if they were one of the ones who strayed to far from that truth. Today, truth is being proven by many of each generation of our past. Kennedy is having a number of books and movies of the man he was. Frank S. The higher we climb the mountain, the more we prove ourselves. If one never does any climbing, they never get the chance to prove their true gameness. The truth of all of us will be proven as we climb the mountain in all games, no matter what game; a movie star, a dogfighter, a dog lover or a president. All games of life. The ones who climb the mountain are proven truth. We all, at a time, live in the pits of hell and high on the mountain as more will be proven true about that person. Mountain climbing and proving truth is a-way of life that comes after a climber has played in one game for a number of years and reached a peak in that game. How high anyone climbs in any game of life is up to the gameness within that climber.

They're exceptionally clever dogs, and can often be found helping the blind, the police, and even rescue services. They're also extremely cute, and the only thing that I find sweeter than a Golden Retriever is a Golden Retriever puppy! Thankfully, people just love sharing pictures of these tiny cute puppies, and here are 14 of the best: 1. Golden Retrievers are born with an adventurous spirit. Playtime usually ends like this. How can anyone say 'No' to those puppy eyes? Cats and dogs don't quite seem to share the same sense of humor. He falls asleep smiling, and wakes up smiling too! This cuddly pup's birthmark makes him even cuter! Who wouldn't want to drive a car full of love? I can't ever take a picture of one puppy without the other getting in the way! My friend's puppy is just too cute for words! Regrets come in many forms. This is a common one in our house! Wouldn't want our baby to catch a cold. Who needs blankets to keep warm when you've got this many siblings? Is this a puppy or a polar bear? Motherly love in its sweetest form. Christina Donnelly is a small animal expert focusing on dogs and writer with over 12 years of experience in animal welfare. In fact, golden retrievers have snagged the third spot for most popular dogs in the United States for the last several years! These pooches are on the larger side females range between 55 and 70 pounds, while males weigh in between 65 and 75 pounds and require lots of exercise, which may make some families shy away. But don't let their size—or high energy—deter you. Golden retrievers are highly intelligent, easy to train compared to other breeds of dogs , and incredibly friendly. Whether you're already a golden puppy parent or considering adding one to the family, read on to learn some fun facts and see some seriously cute photos! One even surmises that goldens are descendants of Russian circus dogs! These alternate theories were debunked, however, when the personal records of Lord Tweedmouth of Inverness, Scotland were made public. Lord Tweedmouth was an avid waterfowl hunter who wanted to breed a dog with some serious bird retrieving skills. So, in , he bred a yellow retriever named Nous with a liver-colored Tweed Water Spaniel named Belle. The result? A pack of puppies with the exact hunting skills he was looking for, which he dubbed golden retrievers. Golden retrievers were later brought to North America—sometime during the s—where they became hugely popular for their beautiful looks and sweet personalities. Then, in , they were officially recognized as a breed by the American Kennel Club. Continue to 2 of 9 below. They can range from a very light, snowy white, to a yellow-gold, to a dark, coppery red. No matter the color of their coat, however, it's important to never cut your golden retriever's hair—doing so can put her at risk of skin cancer, among other health issues. Their coats are made up of two layers—the long, silky, waterproof outercoat and soft, warming undercoat—and act as insulators against all types of weather. So, if you think to trim your golden's coat in the summer to keep it cool, think again! It'll be much cooler and its skin will be protected from the sun with its coat intact. Continue to 3 of 9 below. Bred to fetch waterfowl, golden retrievers love a good swim session but would be just as happy with long walks, games of fetch, or even agility games. Aim for about one hour of exercise each day, but keep your dog's age and activity levels in mind—you may have to adjust accordingly. Continue to 4 of 9 below. If taken to a rescue site, for example, they can quickly learn how to perform search and rescues to help those in need. In addition to their smarts, golden retrievers' downright sweet demeanors make them the perfect pick for therapy dogs. They can bring a lot of comforts—and joy—to people who have experienced traumatic events, are living in hospitals, or are stressed out during college exams. Continue to 5 of 9 below. Their love of food can cause health problems like obesity, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease , so it's important to feed your golden the right amount of food for her weight, age, and activity level. Not sure how much is right for your dog? Talk to your vet about a healthy diet. And take it easy on the treats! It's true that goldens love to eat, but they like to carry non-food items in their mouths, too. Their mouthy nature makes everyday stuff such as sticks, shoes, or even the remote control a highly prized possession. Because golden retrievers have very gentle mouths, challenges such as the golden retriever egg challenge—in which a golden is tasked with holding an uncooked egg in its mouth without breaking it—have popped up all over the web. Continue to 6 of 9 below. Tons of major movies, such as the "Air Bud" series, "Homeward Bound," "A Dog's Purpose," and even thrillers such as "Poltergeist" and "Friday the 13th" have goldens in the credit roll. What's more? There are a few golden retrievers in presidential history, too. Presidents Ronald Reagan and Gerald Ford had goldens during their presidencies. Golden retrievers are often considered the all-American dogs, so it makes sense, right? Continue to 7 of 9 below. Todd, the sweet golden pictured here, is one of those puppy heroes. During their hike, Paula nearly stepped on a rattlesnake—and when the snake lunged at her, Todd jumped in front of her to protect her. Although Todd was bitten on the nose and had severe swelling in his face, he's expected to make a full recovery. Because of his heroic deed, the internet has hailed Todd as a very, very good boy. And believe it or not, Todd has found a way to be an even better boy: He has a GoFundMe page to help other heroic doggies who have suffered from the same injuries. Continue to 8 of 9 below. Even in their senior years, it's not uncommon for older goldens to keep up with their puppy counterparts. Continue to 9 of 9 below. And for good reason! Not only are they adorable, but they prove goldens are some of the sweetest puppers around, too. One look and an instant calm will probably wash over you. Stress simply melts away. Because Golden Retrievers are notoriously loyal and obedient. They can look silly with their big goofy grins. Or they can look stoic and wise beyond their years with their striking, deep brown eyes. CutenessOverload Everything they do is adorable Just watching your pup go from an adorable average of 10 pounds right when you get them at 8 weeks old to a sizable 70 pounds at the year mark is cuter than anything you can imagine. Or falling asleep in your lap. Or busting your pup discreetly chewing on your brand new pair of sneakers in their new closet lair is the cutest. There are too many cute things! Everything will be adorable and glee-inducing if done by a Golden Retriever pup — even the behaviors that, by all logic, should annoy you to no end. This is a good thing because a puppy this adorable is definitely going to be a popular one. Golden Retriever puppies make friends with kids , adults, and other animals while keeping their trademark smiles on their faces. They are so friendly, in fact, that they may not be the best bet when looking for guard dogs. A Golden will usually greet any stranger, including during a break-in, with a welcoming smile on their face. But they will love you best Again, the loyalty of a Golden Retriever pup cannot be stressed enough; it is strong. At the end of the day, your athletic, big-pawed, adventurous, silly, and loving Golden pup will only have eyes for you. Fluffy Golden pup on bench Chunky Golden pup running through yard Golden puppy with big ears looking directly at camera Fluffy pup in a basket on grass Scrawny Golden pup in yard Golden puppy in lavender field Remember, you can find just about any breed of dog you are looking for at a shelter or rescue.